MONDAY 26TH AUGUST 2024

FG Moves to Eliminate Malaria, Taps Dangote, Otedola, Elumelu to Drive Efforts to End Scourge

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

The federal government at the weekend moved to reduce the scourge of malaria in Nigeria, with the choice of Africa’s richest person, Aliko Dangote, astute businessman, Femi Otedola and renowned banker,

Tony Elumelu to lead the fresh efforts to eliminate the menace.

Continued on page 5

L-R: Delta Governor, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori; Wife of Nigeria's President, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, and wife of Delta State Governor, Deaconess Tobore Oborevwori, when Senator Tinubu visited the governor shortly before the flag-off of Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) Economic Empowerment Programme and recapitalisation grants for 1,000 women petty traders in Asaba…recently

At NBA Conference, Tinubu Vows to Protect Rule of Law, Tolerate Dissenting Voices

Okonjo-Iweala expresses concern about slow pace of Nigeria’s development Lagos has more women in judiciary than any other state, says Sanwo-Olu

Deji Elumoye, Alex Enumah in Abuja and Wale Igbintade in Lagos

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has vowed to keep promoting the rule of law, adhere to the principles of separation of powers, and tolerate dissenting views within the ambit of the laws of Nigeria.

Tinubu said his administration had made steady progress in the effort to rebuild the country through legal and judicial reforms.

The president spoke yesterday in Lagos, when he declared open the annual general conference of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA).

In her keynote address at the conference, titled, "A Social Contract for Nigeria's Future," Director-General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, said efforts must be

Elumelu

Otedola

Dangote

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja, Peter Uzoho in Lagos, Adibe Emenyonu in Benin City, John Shiklam in Kaduna, Ahmad Sorondinki in Kano and Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt

The long petrol queues in Abuja

Fitch: FG’s Windfall Tax Will Have Significant Impact on Banks, But Won’t Destabilise Financial System

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

Although the federal government’s windfall tax on foreign exchange gains by Nigerian banks will have significant impact on the banks , it will not destabilise the country’s financial system, BMI, a Fitch Solutions Company, has said.

In a report on the Nigerian banking sector, it highlighted that the banks are currently navigating a confluence of regulatory changes, the latest being the 70 per cent windfall tax on FX gains as well as the recent demand by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to raise

their capital base.

However, the firm which provides market insights, data and analytics, stated that it anticipates that the newly approved windfall tax will weigh heavily on Nigeria’s banking sector, impacting banks’ profits, liquidity, and investor confidence.

“Despite these challenges, we think that Nigeria’s banking sector will remain stable. First, the core income for Nigerian banks predominantly comes from net interest income, which constituted over half of gross earnings and grew by 71.5 per cent y-o-y in 2023.

“This will continue to support

banks’ income as the Central Bank of Nigeria keeps interest rates high through to the end of 2025. Second, Nigerian banks have demonstrated strong fundamentals, with significant growth in their core income sources and strategic capital-raising efforts to meet new regulatory thresholds.

“Third, the windfall tax only applies to realised gains from FX transactions, meaning that unrealised gains will not be affected, allowing banks to manage their financial strategies effectively.

“Finally, the sector's resilience is underscored by the proactive measures banks are taking to ensure liquidity

FUEL SCARCITY PERSISTS IN LAGOS, OTHERS

appeared to have shortened in several parts of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) at the weekend, although a number of filling stations were still shut, while some continued to sell for as much as between N700 and N800.

But in the outskirts of town, some stations were still selling the product for as high as N950, since the product had yet to fully circulate.

There had been biting scarcity of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) also known as petrol in Abuja for over a month, which later extended to more states of the federation, with the product selling for over N1,000 in some places before now.

Although in Abuja, the long stretches which had disrupted commercial and social activities were reducing, however, neighbouring states like Kaduna, Kano, Niger, Nasarawa, had yet to experience similar relief.

The Conoil and Total filling stations opposite the NNPC headquarters in Abuja had shorter queues compared to earlier in the week when THISDAY visited.

At the NNPC mega station in Zone 1 and the one opposite GSM village, the long lines which dominated most of the roads around the area, had begun to shrink. The NNPC was still selling for its subsidised rate of N617 per litre as of yesterday evening.

Last week, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) said that the shortages were caused by ‘distribution’ challenges, even though it failed to specifically tell Nigerians what caused the current scarcity which had lingered in Abuja and environs for over four weeks.

In several parts of Abuja, a 10-litre container of the product which hitherto sold for as high as N12,000 at roadside black markets, had fallen to N10,000. Many private filling station owners also sold for circa N700 per litre within town.

Earlier, NNPC’s Vice President (Downstream), Dapo Segun, apologised to Nigerians over the queues blaming

made to accelerate national growth and development, stressing that Nigeria has all it takes to succeed.

The host governor, Babajide SanwoOlu, highlighted his administration’s emphasis on security of life and property. Sanwo-Olu stressed that his state had the highest number of female judicial officers in the country.

Tinubu, who was represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, acknowledged NBA's sterling history of championing democratic ideals, as well as promoting the rule of law.

"Let me reassure you all that this administration will continue to promote the rule of law, adherence to the principles of separation of powers and tolerance of dissent within the bounds of the law," he declared.

Tinubu implored Nigerian lawyers and other citizens to join hands with his administration in resolutely working towards a Nigeria of everybody's dreams, saying the country cannot continue to toe the path threaded in the past if it must achieve sustainable development.

He assured that though difficult decisions to change the way things were done in the past would produce hard results, his administration's policies and

weather conditions for the insufficient distribution of fuel across the country.

“A number of the causes are outside of our control but we’ll do our best to manage. We do not like to make excuses,” Segun stated.

In Lagos, marketers of petroleum products and motorists expressed their frustration and anger over the continuous petrol scarcity in the nation's commercial nerve centre and other parts of the country despite promises by the NNPC which is the sole importer and supplier of the product in the country.

Since last weekend, residents of the state have been going through harrowing experiences just to buy fuel to power their vehicles, tricycles, motorcycles and generators.

Despite the national oil company’s assurances, nothing positive has happened as most of the filling stations in Lagos still didn't have the product as of the time of filing in this report.

The few filling stations that had petrol in the city had their premises crowded with vehicles, tricycles, motorcycles, jerrycan-bearing buyers as well as those that came with fuel tanks of their generators and motorcycles.

At AP filling Station on Awolowo Road Ikoyi, THISDAY observed that buyers crowded the facility in their desperation to buy, as the outlet was selling relatively cheaper at N720 per litre.

Mobil filling station on the same road was also selling but with queues while the nearby Total filling station was not selling and was completely deserted because it had no product.

At NNPC filling station at Obalende, only buyers with jerrycans, generators and motorcycle tanks were being sold to. Although, the station was dispensing at N568 per litre but a buyer had to pay N1,500 first before being attended to.

The Northwest mega filling station at Gbagada was selling but with a massive queue at the premises that stretched several kilometres along the

actions would bring relief to Nigerians very soon.

The president stated, "Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, while I acknowledge the temporal existence of some daunting challenges besetting us as a nation, I would like to urge you all not to adopt a defeatist approach; rather, we should remain resolute in working for a country of our dreams.

"It is obvious that Nigeria as a nation cannot continue to sojourn on the trajectory of the past if we must be assured of sustainable development; hence, the need to sanitise the Augean stable and chart a proper course of rebuilding the nation.

"I acknowledge that altering the status quo requires difficult decisions and changes, which also inevitably come with hard outcomes. However, I am confident that this is a passing phase and our policies and actions, as an administration, are bound to usher in relief in no distant time."

Tinubu thanked the Supreme Court for consistently sustaining good governance and the tenets of democracy in Nigeria, citing the recent verdict of the highest court in the land, which granted financial autonomy to the local government councils.

and investment capacity, ensuring they remain well-positioned to support Nigeria's broader economic development goals,” it stated in the report.

But this tax, it said comes at a time that banks need to meet higher capital requirements and navigating a number of regulatory changes that have significant implications for their operational and financial health.

Coming in the wake of the CBN’s directive for banks to substantially increase their capital bases, the dual mandate, it said, raises critical concerns about the future growth of the banking sector.

busy expressway. Similarly, Total filling station by Anthony, Gbagada, was also selling but in a skeletal manner.

However, there was no fuel at Conoil filling station at National Bus-stop Ikeja, and at NIPCO filing station at Mangoro axis as the two outlets were deserted.

Also, on the Mangoro axis, NNPC was selling with shorter queue, while another Conoil filling station nearby had no fuel when THISDAY visited.

In the same vein, NNPC filling at Akowonjo Roundabout had no fuel as of yesterday, but Nepal filling station very close to it was crammed with motorists and jerrycan-bearing buyers.

Again, the two NNPC filling stations on Egbeda-Idimu Road were submerged with queues, just as Eterna, Petrocam, Omalad, Alpha, Al-Moruf, IIG, NNPC, AP, and Mobil filling stations all located along the Isheri-Igando-LASU Road had no fuel.

When contacted to get their supply updates, a top official at the Major Energies Marketers Association of Nigeria (MEMAN), formerly MOMAN, who pleaded not to be mentioned, told THISDAY that he was tired of talking about the same issue every time without any improvement.

Admitting that the endless fuel supply challenge had got him demoralised like every other Nigerian, the source said he would only talk when he was in a good mood.

Former Chairman of MOMAN and Managing Director of 11Plc Limited, owners of Mobil filling stations, Mr. Tunji Oyebanji, told THISDAY that NNPC was still giving them the usual quantity that was not enough for the market.

He said the queue was not likely to disappear unless product supply to marketers improved.

He said: "No much improvement yet. They are still giving us what they have been giving to us, which is not enough. So the queue is not likely to disappear since the supply from the source is not enough. So people

He stated that the judgement "will spur the much-desired developments at the grassroots level". He also expressed confidence "that more of such strategic and reform-oriented legal interventions will be achieved" by the third arm of government.

The president reiterated his administration's commitment to making the welfare of the judiciary a top priority.

He stated, "I want to assure the learned members of the Bench and the Bar that this government will continue to accord top priority to the welfare of the judiciary to ease avoidable burden on their Lordships and speed up the adjudicatory process, which is a sine qua non for social order and economic development.

"It is, therefore, my fervent expectation that the NBA would provide the appropriate legal compass for all persons, government, and businesses towards rebuilding our dear nation."

Tinubu outlined the efforts being made by his administration to reform the judiciary, including signing the Judicial Office Holders (Salaries and Allowances) Act 2024, leading to a 300 per cent increase in the remuneration

Recall that Nigerian banks reported record profits in 2023, driven by exceptionally high net interest income and revaluation gains from two currency depreciations, which saw the naira lose around 70 per cent of its value since June 2023.

The six largest banks recorded a profit after tax of N2.7 trillion in 2023, up 200.6 per cent y-o-y, while net interest income for the banks rose 71.5 per cent y-o-y to N2.6 trillion and net FX gains surged 593.6 per cent to N1.3 trillion.

According to the report, disparities in banks’ FX gains stemmed from

need to shun panic buying and have the confidence that the supply will improve.

"As long as people keep on with their panic buying where they will go to the station and wait to fill up their tanks, the queue will continue. So like I said, let people have the feeling that whenever they come to the station, they can buy the quantity that will take them for that day. With that, the queue will reduce.

"We are hoping and praying for the supply to improve so that every

filling station will have the product to sell, and this problem will end".

Some of the motorists, who spoke to THISDAY, said they had lost confidence in the government, adding that all they get from their leaders was suffering and punishment.

A motorist at the Northwest filling station at Gbagada, Mr Ayodeji Amosun, said he had been at the facility for over five hours but was yet to get fuel.

"I came here to buy fuel since five hours. I have not gotten. I don't even

Edun

differences in reporting practices. While some banks report FX gains separately, whether realised or unrealised, others, the Fitch Solutions company said, combine FX gains with trading gains without distinguishing the components.

know if I can still get fuel today. All my business appointments have been cancelled today because I can't drive to anywhere from here without fuel. My tank is empty. Is this how to be wicked to the people?

"Every time we go and vote but things remain the same. All we get from our government is promise upon promise without fulfilment. All we get from them is suffering and punishment."

FG MOVES TO ELIMINATE MALARIA, TAPS DANGOTE, OTEDOLA, ELUMELU TO DRIVE EFFORTS TO END SCOURGE

Speaking at the inauguration of the team in Abuja, the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr Tunji Alausa, stated that the country currently contributes over a quarter of global malaria cases and about a third of the over 600,000 malaria deaths worldwide, mostly affecting children and pregnant women.

Describing the situations as ‘sad’, the minister added that the ailment contributes about 25 per cent to 30 per cent of childhood mortality and about 60 per cent of hospital attendance.

According to him, malaria is also a major cause of absenteeism in schools, markets, and workplaces, as well as a significant out-of-pocket expense for most households in the country.

While Dangote is the Chairman of the Dangote Group, Otedola is Chairman FBN Holdings Plc, Chairman, Geregu Power Plc and several other business concerns, while Elumelu is the Chairman of UBA Group, founder of Heirs Holdings and also chairs Trancorp Group.

At the inaugural meeting of the Nigeria End Malaria Council (NEMC), which also has John Cardinal Onaiyekan as member, the minister stated that the industry heavyweights would collaborate with the Nigerian

of judicial officers, and putting in place the full complement of Justices of the Supreme Court.

The president disclosed that his administration "is also working on the construction of a permanent and befitting edifice for the Abuja Division of the Court of Appeal”.

He said, "Furthermore, provisions are being made to provide conducive accommodation for federal judicial officers within the Federal Capital Territory. All these are part of measures to boost the independence, welfare, and capacity of the judiciary."

He applauded the theme, “Pressing Forward: A National Posture for Rebuilding Nigeria,” chosen by NBA for this year's annual national conference.

Tinubu also commended the association for always being part of "the vanguard for initiating and driving reforms to stimulate economic growth and development".

On her part, Okonjo-Iweala said efforts must be made towards accelerating growth and development, as Nigeria has all it takes to succeed.

The former Nigerian finance minister as well as first woman and

Governors’ Forum (NGF), National Assembly joint Health Committees and women organisations to drive the fresh efforts.

“It gives me great pleasure to be present in this auspicious meeting whose major objective is to contribute to a reduction in the malaria burden and possibly the elimination of malaria in Nigeria, which will ultimately lead to the improvement in the quality of lives of all Nigerians.

“It is no longer news that Nigeria contributes more than a quarter of global malaria cases and about a third of the over 600,000 deaths, mostly among children and pregnant women. It is sad to note that malaria contributes about 25-30 per cent childhood mortality and about 60 per cent hospital attendance. Similarly, malaria is a major cause of absenteeism to schools, markets and workplaces, as well as a major out of pocket spending for most households in the country,” Alausa stated.

The minister noted that it was common knowledge that Nigeria which currently has a population of over 200 million has its entire population at risk of malaria, a situation that puts a huge challenge on the government.

He lamented that the implementation of the various interventions such as provision of antimalarial medicines, protective interventions such as chemo-preventive treatments as well as treated nets and insecticides for indoor and outdoor spraying had remained inadequate to meet the targeted population.

“While malaria cases and deaths are shrinking in other countries, Nigeria has continuously recorded higher number of cases. Bulk of the support for the interventions are donor-driven, hence inadequate and not sustainable.

“Aware of the fact that no country ever eliminated malaria through donor supports, the African Heads of States launched the African Leaders Malaria Alliance (ALMA) during the African Union Summit of 2009 and the Malaria Scorecard was developed in 2011 to monitor country's performance and also, to be used as an advocacy tool for heads of Government,” the minister added.

According to him, the council was established in 2017 and was inaugurated by former President Muhammadu Buhari on August 16, 2022, stressing that the inaugural meeting was long overdue.

He stated that the setting up of the End Malaria Council was to advocate for malaria to remain high on the national and state agendas through strong political commitment from leaders at all levels, mobilise financial and in-kind resources from new sources, including the private sector to help

close resource gaps in the national malaria strategic plan.

“By reason of your positions in Nigeria, your passion towards health issues, especially malaria, and the interest groups you represent, your membership to this council is inevitable for the benefit of the larger society, and especially children and pregnant women who are the most affected and would remain forever grateful,” he added.

As part of the event, the minister handed over the leadership of the council to Dangote, who has served as Nigeria’s Malaria Ambassador as well as a member of the Global End Malaria Council.

Speaking at the meeting, Dangote urged the members to tackle malaria head-on, highlighting members’ collective strength across government, civil society, religion, and business as well as their unique ability to mobilise resources for the national malaria programme.

He noted that Nigeria accounts for most of the global malaria burden and about 32 per cent of global malaria deaths. He said he found it unacceptable to leave malaria elimination in the hands of the malaria partnership and donors.

Dangote said that he looked forward to approaching other corporates to mobilise funds for the fight to eliminate the ailment just like it was done during COVID.

He noted that a lot of gaps exist in the malaria programme particularly in the areas of support for procurement of antimalarial commodities, a quick reduction in the malaria burden. Besides, he outlined the council’s primary objectives of ensuring that malaria elimination remained high on Nigeria’s agenda, noting that it is possible with strong political commitment from leaders at all levels, and advocacy at both the national and state levels to secure sufficient funding.

Dangote urged the council to be alive to its responsibility of protecting the progress made so far, sustaining it, and ensuring that the country is on an irreversible pathway to ending malaria.

He added: “I want to appreciate your acceptance to serve our beloved country in this capacity, and I am glad to join hands with you to reduce the burden and deaths due to malaria in Nigeria.” Council members are expected to mobilise funds needed to ensure that the malaria scourge is eliminated in the country.

Also, the Nigeria end malaria council secretariat, led by its Executive Secretary, Mr Ope Abegunde, was handed over to the council.

PRESENTATION OF EMPOWERMENT KITS TO 250 REHABILITATED WOMEN WITH VVF...

L-R: Group Head Public Sector, North

Fistula (VVF) as part of the activities marking the FirstBank 2024 Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability (CR&S) Week, at Jagun, Jigawa State.

IGP: Mastermind of 20 Medical Students

Kidnap Killed During Rescue Operation

killed during a rescue operation. Egbetokun made the disclosure while addressing a press conference at Force Headquarters, Abuja, in company with the Benue State governor, vice chancellors of the University of Jos and University of Maiduguri, Commissioners of Police of FCT and

Benue State commands, the rescued medical students, and some of their parents.

He also revealed that two other members of the notorious gang were arrested during the operation and were helping the police with information on how to dismantle the gang.

Egbetokun stated that the rescue without payment of ransom was made possible through the activation of security intelligence network, synergy with other security agencies, community partnership, and the deployment of its highly skilled and tactical officers. He said the officers’ dedication, bravery,

Report: Demolition of Landmark Beach Forcing Investors to Relocate to Other Jurisdictions in Africa

Dike Onwuamaeze

The demolition of the Landmark Beach front located in Lagos is causing some of businesses to consider downscaling their investment plans in Nigeria or relocate to other jurisdictions, a new report has stated.

Titled: “Nigeria Real Estate Market Review H1 2024” published by the Northcourt, the report stated that high inflation rates were increasing construction costs, posing challenge to project viability and reducing the

to lead the WTO regretted that Nigeria was not progressing as much as it should in its over 60 years of existence.

"Strong macro-economic reforms is something we need in Nigeria. Oil has dominated Nigerian exports but we must diversify to agricultural and solid minerals exports," she added.

Lamenting the lack of policy consistency, which, according to her, had also affected the growth of the country, Okonjo-Iweala said to minimise the volatility of inconsistent policies, Nigeria needed a social contract. She stressed that achieving a social contract involved the security of lives and national assets.

She said an organisation like the NBA had a role in achieving a social contract.

Okonjo-Iweala stated, "We need a new social contract to achieve growth in our country. My conviction on the need for a social contract is based on the need to tolerate different political parties and past administrations that preceded any administration in power."

Sanwo-Olu maintained that the security of life and property was a cardinal part of the social contract.

Urging the judiciary to strengthen the country's electoral process, he assured that Lagos was ready to take on the social contract, even as he said for five years, he had not taken a kobo from the local government treasury.

The governor said, "And we have

development of new real estate projects.

The report said: “The Paul Onwuanibe-led Landmark Group received notification from the government that the Landmark Beach resort was slated for removal due to its proximity to the proposed Lagos-Calabar 700km coastal highway.

“The Landmark centre, estimated at $200 million contributes much in tax revenue - with some estimates at $1.5 million.

“The demolition of the Landmark Beach front raised concerns among

demonstrated that even in the legal profession that all of you are part of us. We have more women in our judiciary consistently than any other part of the country and we kept faith in that."

Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, said he would continue to recognise and work with all partners to improve on the country's justice delivery system.

Fagbemi recalled that at his inauguration last year, one of his key deliverables was a commitment to enable a framework for collaboration between the justice ministry, the judiciary, and NBA.

He stated, "I am pleased to report that we have made substantial progress in this area. For the first time in the history of Nigeria, a collaborative National Justice Summit was convened by the Federal Ministry of Justice, National Judicial Council, and the Nigerian Bar Association.

"What in my humble view is even more noteworthy is the statement of future activities presented in the format of a communique and signed by the Chief Justice of Nigeria, the President of the Nigerian Bar Association and myself.

"Going forward, these three institutions now have a framework and a joint agenda for cooperation, collaboration and commitment on

investors. Some considered downscaling their investment plans, others have reallocated investments to other jurisdictions on the African continent.”

The report also stated that the demolition of the Landmark’s property has caused Nigeria's reputation for policy inconsistency and inadequate stakeholder consultation.

“Landmark still advocates for a reconsideration of the highway route to minimise adverse effects on local businesses and the environment.

Justice Sector Reform. I look forward to the continuous pursuit of this agenda by both the acting Chief Justice of Nigeria and the incoming President of the Nigerian Bar Association."

Fagbemi disclosed that as part of efforts to reform the justice sector, the Tinubu administration had moved swiftly in approving befitting salary and allowances for judicial officers in Nigeria.

He, however, stated that improved remuneration was not the beginning and the end of the administration's intervention in the judiciary. The minister added that the government was keen to work with stakeholders to ensure that other issues crucial to strengthening the capacity of the judiciary were dealt with expeditiously.

Human rights advocates and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Mr Femi Falana, challenged lawyers in the country to adopt stern measures to end illegal arrest and detention of innocent citizens by the police and other law enforcement agencies in the country.

While welcoming Nigerian lawyers to Lagos for the NBA 2024 annual conference, Falana said, "The NBA should take advantage of the conference to put in place a comprehensive mechanism for the implementation of the Administration of Police Establishment Act and Criminal Justice Act, which has been

Analysts reiterate the importance of sustainable urban development in the planning and establishment of eco-friendly urban settlements,” it added.

According to the report, high inflation rates (officially 33.95 per in May) have led to a decline in consumer purchasing power, directly influencing the real estate market.

“Inflation has increased construction costs, challenging project viability and reducing new developments,” it stressed.

adopted by all the 36 states of the federation."

He lamented that even though both laws had abolished arrest and detention of citizens for civil wrong and breach of contract and made provisions for legal representation of suspects in police stations, conditional or unconditional bail and humane treatment of suspects, the police and other law enforcement agencies had continued to breach the fundamental rights of suspects to personal liberty, dignity of the person and fair hearing.

He urged NBA to direct the members of the Human Rights Committee of its 128 branches to accompany Chief Magistrates during the monthly visits to all police stations in the country.

Earlier, in his welcome address, President of NBA, Mr. Yakubu Maikyau (SAN), assured the gathering that the Bar would continue to work for the course of justice in Nigeria. Maikyau said the respect the bar had was a symbol of freedom in the county.

"The bar is represented primarily by the need to serve justice to the people. Our existence as a people is intricately connected to our responsibility as the defenders of the people," he said.

Maikyau urged lawyers to ensure that they discharged their duties to the people of Nigeria with determination, like the resilience of an eagle, and eschew corruption at all levels.

and precision in executing their duties were truly commendable, stressing that during the operation, officers engaged the kidnappers in a well-coordinated tactical offensive.

The IGP stated, "I am pleased to inform you that the kingpin of this notorious gang was neutralised during exchange of fire with our operatives and his weapon recovered, while two other members of the gang were arrested.

“These individuals are currently in our custody, where they are providing valuable information that will help us dismantle their criminal network and prevent future occurrences of such abductions.

"It is pertinent to state that rescue operations of this magnitude are painstakingly difficult and complex, requiring not only deployment of resources but also meticulous planning and coordination.

“In this regard, I must extend my

heartfelt appreciation to the Office of the National Security Adviser, whose support was instrumental in this operation.

“I also wish to acknowledge the invaluable contributions of other security agencies who partnered with us, as well as the local vigilantes who played a crucial role in ensuring the success of this mission. This success is a demonstration of what can be achieved when we work together towards a common goal."

Egbetokun stressed that the Nigeria Police would continue to employ every lawful means at its disposal to protect the lives and property of Nigerians, while ensuring that those who chose to engage in criminal activities were brought to justice.

Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, promised to help the universities reintegrate the students back to the university community.

BIGIF, UN Partners Stakeholders to Support Women Political Participation

Gbenga Sodeinde in Ado Ekiti

Women across Nigeria have been challenged to invest in politics as well as take up more elective positions even as calls were made to the federal government to implement the 35 percent affirmative action which will enable women take up more strategic positions in nation building.

These calls were made during a 2-day stakeholders’ convention tagged Advance Women Political Participation in Nigeria, at the Amore Hotels in Ado Ekiti, the Ekiti State capital.

The convention which was sponsored by Balm In Gilead Foundation For Sustainability Development (BIGIF) and supported by United Nations Women in Canada targets the creation of an enabling environment to ensure more women participate in the 2027 general elections and subsequent ones.

The 2-day convention segmented into sessions where the roles of the average Nigerian woman was highlighted traditionally, religiously and the stereotype belief that women should tend the kitchen and other needs of the family rather lend their quota in policies and decision makings which affects their lives.

The panelists and discussants argued that women roles in the society has gone beyond the normal of seen

and not heard and that the average Nigeria woman has the unction to function, politically and otherwise should they be given the same opportunity as their male counterparts.

One of the keynote speakers, Dr. Idris Ibrahim, a Principal Research Officer, National Institute for Legislative and Development Studies, Abuja, who spoke on the need for a constitutional reform which will encourage women to put their numbers into use during the elections stressed the need for accountability from women holding different positions in the country.

He opined that women in holding elective or other positions should endeavor to prove themselves to be accountable as such will encourage other women to show interest in politics and elections.

The panelists consisting of notable women politicians, media practitioners, head of civil societies, students, youths and persons with disabilities all agreed on the challenges facing women intending to go into politics and factors that may affect their continuous improvement in the political world.

A former chairperson of Gbonyin Local Government Area, Mrs. Folasade Akinola, maintained that finance is the major setback hindering a lot of women from going into the political space.

Linus Aleke in Abuja Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun, yesterday, revealed that the mastermind of the abduction of 20 medical students in Gboko, Benue State, on their way to Enugu for Catholic Medical Students Conference had been

West 1, FirstBank, Babagana Abdullahi Bolori; Commissioner For Women Affairs, Jigawa State, Hajiya Hadiza T. Abdulwahab; Executive Director, Public Sector, FirstBank, Shehu Aliyu; Governor, Jigawa State, H.E Mallam Umar Namadi; Speaker, Jigawa State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon Idris Garba Kareka and Relationship Manager, Public Sector, FirstBank, Nidi Sohotyep, at the presentation of empowerment kits to 250 rehabilitated women with Vesicovaginal

Atiku to FG: Explain Why Oando Got Accelerated Approval in Oil Deal with Eni

Insists fuel subsidy is scam, demands release of detained whistle-blower

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, yesterday, asked the federal government to explain why Oando Plc., owned by President Bola Tinubu‘s nephew, Wale Tinubu, got an accelerated approval to buy the onshore assets of Italian oil giant, Eni, ahead of other transactions, such as the Shell/Renaissance deal and the Mobil/Seplat transaction.

In a statement by Special Assistant on Public Communication to Atiku, Phrank Shaibu, the former vice president doubled down on his allegation that Oando was given undue and preferential treatment in the oil and gas sector to the detriment of more competent investors.

The presidential candidate of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 general election also knocked the House of Representatives for failing to take proper action on the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), which he alleged had now gone ahead to “mortgage the country’s national oil assets to vested interests”.

According to Atiku, “Within just eight months, the Nigerian Upstream Production Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) approved a deal, which saw the divestment of ENI/AGIP onshore assets to Oando.

“Within that same period, Nigeria

Adibe Emenyonu in Benin-City

The NEPL/Seplat Energy Joint Venture (JV) has launched the 5th edition of its transformative Seplat Teachers Empowerment Programme (STEP), marking a significant milestone in its commitment to education.

Since its inception, STEP has empowered 1,373 individuals, including 1,264 secondary school teachers and 109 Chief Inspectors of Education (CIEs) across Edo, Delta states and host communities, equipping them with essential skills in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM).

This initiative has not only enhanced the quality of education but has also ignited creativity and innovation within classrooms.

The 2024 edition of the programme was officially flagged-off in Benin-City,

controversially withdrew all litigations against Shell/ENI in the OPL 245 scandal in what has been described as a quid pro quo.

“However, the attempt by Seplat to buy Mobil’s onshore assets has continued to stall for the last three years even as the consent letter remains on Tinubu’s table.

“The deal between Renaissance and Shell continues to stall. In fact, the only deal that has fully scaled through so far is the one involving Oando. We now know why it got accelerated approval.”

The former vice president slammed the Tinubu administration for implementing what he described as a sham subsidy regime, as revealed in the financial statement recently released by NNPCL.

He said, “Tinubu visited the FMDQ in New York, visited Qatar, visited France, where he told lies about removing petrol subsidies.

“Obviously, this is not a man who is serious about attracting Foreign Direct Investment (FDI). More worrisome is that he is not even brave enough to admit that subsidy is being paid. The NNPC admits that N7.8 trillion is owed to the national oil company by the Nigerian government.

“The International Monetary Fund (IMF) estimates that subsidy payments this year will constitute three per cent of

Gross Domestic Product (GDP), which is about $7.5 billion. This will be about N11.8 trillion.

“Yet, the petrol scarcity continues to linger while the Tinubu administration continues to frustrate the Dangote Refinery and even its own NNPC facilities.

“Obviously, the subsidy regime has become an even wider conduit through which monies for funding the 2027 election will come from.”

Atiku stated that democracy ought to be the government of the people, for the people, and by the people. But he maintained that democracy in Nigeria had become the government of Tinubu, by Tinubu, and for Tinubu and his family members.

In July 2023, Atiku said, the House of Representatives, following the adoption of a motion moved by Miriam Onuoha, directed NNPC to suspend the acquisition of OVH

assets pending an investigation by its committee.

Despite the directive and several others, Atiku stated that NNPC ignored and went ahead to transfer its ownership and properties in its retail arm to OVH, thereby mortgaging the future of Nigerians.

Atiku added, “Despite the rot in the oil sector, the head of the NNPC, the head of the NUPRC, and the head of the Nigerian Midstream and

Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) continue to keep their jobs. This is clear evidence that they are fulfilling the mandate given to them by Tinubu.”

Atiku pointed out that NNPCL lied in its response to his statement last week, as it was on record that the Mele Kyari-led management appointed Huub Stoksman, a former Chief Executive Officer of OVH Energy, as Managing Director of NNPC Retail.

Sustainability Week: First Bank Supports 600 Women with VVF Surgeries, Care Packages, and Rehabilitation

Sunday Ehigiator

In commemoration of the 2024 Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability Week (CR&S Week), First Bank has demonstrated its unwavering commitment to healthcare and social welfare by supporting no fewer than 600 women with Vesicovaginal Fistula (VVF) in Jigawa and Plateau states, while also offering life-changing surgeries, essential aftercare kits, and a rehabilitation scheme.

The initiative aligns with First Bank's Sustainability strategy, focusing on Education, Health and Welfare, and Diversity and Inclusion. By tackling VVF, the bank aims to make a lasting impact on vulnerable women's lives, enabling them to rebuild with dignity.

The event was graced by the Governor of Jigawa State, H.E Mallam Umar Namadi, alongside the Speaker, Jigawa State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon Idris Garba Kareka, and the State’s Commissioner

for Women Affairs, Hajiya Hadiza Abdulwahab, amongst others, is a reflection of the bank’s ongoing commitment to addressing critical health challenges and promoting social welfare, which is a part of the Bank's Sustainability pillars.

Commenting on the initiative, First Bank’s Executive Director, Public Sector, Shehu Aliyu said, “Through First Bank's partnership with the state governments, we aim to support the awareness and surgery

initiative for this medical condition. It is our utmost desire that even young woman has a chance to live a normal life.

“Rest assured that First Bank is fully committed to empowering women with the right skills and capabilities to ensure good health outcomes.”

First Bank's CR&S Week remains a key part of its mission to drive meaningful change across Nigeria through targeted social interventions.

121 Primary Healthcare Centres Now Fully Rehabilitated in Borno State, Says Commissioner

Health Agenda.

the Edo State capital, bringing together 359 teachers and 22 Chief Inspectors of Education (CIEs) from across Edo, Delta States and supporting communities.

This continued investment by the NEPL/Seplat JV underscores its unwavering commitment to elevating education in its host states and communities.

In her address, the Director, External Affairs & Social Performance, Seplat Energy, Chioma Afe, highlighted the strategic vision behind STEP, stating, "Five years ago, we conducted a thorough assessment of our host communities in Edo and Delta states to identify their most pressing needs.

“Education emerged as the top priority, not only for the children but also for the teachers who are instrumental in shaping the future of the students.

The Borno State Government said that it has so far rehabilitated a total of 121 Primary Healthcare Centres out of the 312 health facilities damaged as a result of the insurgency war in the North East.

The state also said that it has approved the disbursement of N209 million as part it's counterpart funding to the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund (BHCPF) meant to renovate and maintain the operations of Primary Healthcare Centres in the state.

Presently, only about 8,000 primary healthcare centres are in good functional state in the country.

However, the administration of President Bola Tinubu had set a target of helping to revive 17,000 Primary Healthcare Centres out of the over 34,000 dilapidated facilities across the states before 2027 as part of its Renewed Hope

Speaking in an interview with THISDAY, the Borno State Commissioner of Health, Prof. Baba Mallam Gana, said that the government has been able to renovate 121 Primary health facilities in the state

In addition, he said that the state governor has further upgraded facilities in 100 primary health centres to ensure improved access to hospital care for the people of the state.

According to Prof. Gana, over 45 percent of the healthcare facilities lost in Borno State were destroyed due to insurgency war in the state.

While highlighting the impact of the insurgency war on state's health facilities, the commissioner, said: "We have 312 Wards in Borno State and until the advent of insurgency in 2009, we had 312 functional primary healthcare centres.

"But with the insurgency, we lost over 45 percent of these health facilities which is nearly half of the

total number. Some were completely burnt; others were looted by the invading terrorists.

"So as of the moment we have 121 functioning primary healthcare centres in the state. However, the state government has recently renovated and upgraded nearly 100 primary healthcare centres. So, we are getting there, in terms of development of primary healthcare centres", he said.

Regarding utilization of the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund being funded from the one percent of the revenue from the federation account, the commissioner, said that the state has been up to date in accessing the fund meant to revive primary health centres.

He said that Governor Babagana Zulum last Monday formally presented cheques for the BHCPF counterpart funding to the management of the State Primary Healthcare Board and the Borno state Contributory Health Insurance Agency.

His words: "This was meant to be disbursed to 170 Primary Healthcare Centres in the state. This will go a long way to help advance healthcare delivery in Borno.

"The fund was presented in the presence of the 27 Local Government Council chairmen. The amount of the counterpart fund contributed by the state is N209, 819, 306.

"The amount covers the BHCPF counterpart fund requirements for the Primary Healthcare Centres and the health insurance scheme. This highlights the fact that the state government is focused on improving the primary healthcare services in the state because once you are able improve the primary healthcare services, you will be able to meet the target of universal health coverage."

On the issue of child malnutrition Gana said the state governor has been doing everything possible to address it.

Chuks Okocha and Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja

L-R: Divisional Head, Agribusiness & Non-oil Agricultural Business Finance, First City Monument Bank (FCMB), Mr. Kudzai Gumunyu; Divisional Head, Transaction Banking, Mrs. Rolayo Akhigbe; Chief Executive Officer, Nigerian Export Promotion Council, Mrs. Nonye Ayeni; Managing Director, FCMB, Mrs. Yemisi Edun; Divisional Head, Corporate Services & Service Management of the Bank, Felicia Obozuwa and Regional Head, Lagos, Mrs. Omowunmi Kalejaiye, during a seminar on "Refocusing Nigeria's Economic Development Through Non-Oil Exports", organised by FCMB in Lagos. ..recently

19TH CILL INDIAN - AFRICA BUSNESS CONCLAVE...

Olu of Warri Honours UTM CEO, Julius Rone with Royal Order of Iwere Award

Oborevwori canvasses peace in Delta kingdoms

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja and Sylvester Idowu in Warri

The Olu of Warri, His Majesty Ogiame Atuwatse III, at the weekend honoured the Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of UTM Offshore Ltd, Dr. Julius Rone, owners of Nigeria’s first indigenous Floating Liquefied Natural Gas (FLNG), with the inaugural Royal Order of Iwere Distinguished Award.

The UTM boss was honoured alongside other accomplished Itsekiri personalities in a grand ceremony held at Aghofen, the Palace of the king to celebrate the 3rd coronation anniversary of the monarch.

The Royal Iwere Society is devoted to fostering a culture of performance and excellence by honouring outstanding Itsekiri individuals who have made exceptional and significant strides in their respective fields, a statement said yesterday.

2023

In conferring the award, the Olu of Warri commended Rone for his exceptional achievements which have deeply resonated with the Itsekiri Kingdom, setting exemplary standards for future generation and fostering a pioneering spirit that fortifies the cultural and economic fabric of the Warri Kingdom.

The monarch further stated that Rone’s dedication and impact had not only elevated his personal stature but also contributed to the overall enrichment of the Warri Kingdom and beyond.

Speaking after receiving the royal honour, a highly elated Rone expressed appreciation to the Olu of Warri while describing the Royal Iwere Society Award as his most cherished conferment and restating his unalloyed loyalty and support to the monarch.

“I Thank God for the great honour done to me today by the

Financial

most respected and most revered monarch in the world, the Olu of Warri. I have been honoured around the world but this is the best award I have received. I want to assure you and pledge my unreserved loyalty to you and promise that we will support you to take Warri to where you want to take it to.

“I am filled with joy in my heart because I am a palace boy. My father has served four monarchs in this Warri kingdom. So, for me to be honoured today shows that charity begins at home,” he said.

The UTM boss stressed that the reign of His Majesty has blessings and prosperity leading to achievement of outstanding feats in various fields by Itsekiri sons and daughters including his pioneering role in establishing the Nigeria’s first indigenous FLNG company.

“I believe that the blessing that Itsekiri sons and daughters will

receive under your reign will be unprecedented. Your son is developing the first Nigerian FLNG, the first black man to develop a floating LNG,” Rone stated.

When completed the UTM FLNG is expected to produce 2.8 million metric tonnes of natural gas, 450 metric tonnes of LPG and other liquids per annum for export and domestic consumption.

This is expected to leapfrog the national economy by ensuring availability of gas at lower cost as well as generate massive employment and multi-million naira business opportunities for Nigerians, he said.

Others dignitaries honoured with the Royal Iwere Society Award were: The Publisher of the Vanguard Newspapers, Mr. Sam Amuka and Nigeria’s representative on the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) and member

Report: HURIWA Applauds NNPCL’s Transparency, Accountability, Urges Sustained Reforms

The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has commended the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) for its unprecedented display of transparency and accountability in releasing its 2023 Audited Financial Statement (AFS).

HURIWA stated that the NNPCL’s declaration of a net profit of N3.3 trillion, alongside the announcement of a N2.1 trillion dividend, marks a significant milestone in the company’s history and represents a clear departure

from the opacity and inefficiency that once characterized the former Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC).

In a statement released on Sunday, HURIWA's National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, lauded the management of NNPCL under the leadership of the Group Managing Director, Mele Kyari, noting that the company’s impressive financial performance and commitment to openness signal a new era in Nigeria’s petroleum industry.

According to HURIWA, the reborn NNPCL has demonstrated a commitment to upholding the

principles of good corporate governance, a stark contrast to the previous practices that plagued the then NNPC.

The human rights group emphasized that NNPCL’s release of its audited financials, which showed a 28% increase in profit from the previous year, is a testament to the company’s resolve to operate with integrity and transparency.

“This is a remarkable achievement that reflects the positive changes implemented since NNPC transitioned to NNPCL. The company’s ability to post such impressive returns amidst the challenges in the operational

and economic environment is commendable,” HURIWA stated.

HURIWA highlighted that the NNPCL’s progress in financial transparency is directly linked to the leadership of Mele Kyari, who assumed the role of Group Managing Director in 2019.

The organization pointed out that Kyari’s tenure has been marked by a series of transformative reforms aimed at improving the efficiency and profitability of NNPCL.

“Since taking office, Mele Kyari has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to repositioning NNPCL as a transparent and accountable entity,” it stated.

NELFUND: S'East N’Assembly Caucus

Urges Students to Take Interest in FG Loans

Emmanuel Ugwu-Nwogo in Umuahia

The South East Caucus of the National Assembly, has waded into the noninclusion of students from higher institutions in the zone among the beneficiaries of the students loan by the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND).

executive committee of Confederation of African Football (CAF), Mr Amaju Pinnick.

Also honoured were: Felix Ogbe, Mr. Ade Mabo, Mr Alfred Temile, Dr Ajoritsedere Awosika, Eworitsewarami Justin Wilbert and Mrs Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan.

Also yesterday, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori appealed to all kings in the state to ensure that their domains are peaceful, noting that peaceful kingdoms and peaceful communities would generally translate to a conducive state for socio-economic activities to thrive.

The governor made the appeal at the third coronation anniversary thanksgiving of the Olu of Warri.

Oborevwori, represented at the thanksgiving service which took place at the Olu’s Palace, Warri, by his Deputy, Monday Onyeme,

noted that Delta needs peace to attract investors to the state.

"Delta will be generally peaceful and as Deltans, if we have ensured peaceful kingdoms and communities, investors will come to our state in their large numbers and with such, all of us will reap the benefits of good governance," the governor said. The governor solicited continued support of the throne and other thrones in the state for his government. In his remarks, Rev. Chris Akperi of the Foursquare Gospel Church, urged the people to be united, speak with one voice, love the king just as the king loves God, and as well hate evil.

He observed that evil takes a people backwards and urged the people to embrace doing good, show love to one another, and respect those in authority.

First Lady, Mrs. Tinubu, Congratulates Justice Kekere- Ekun on Elevation as CJN

N50m as business grants to 1,000 Edo traders

Deji Elumoye in Abuja and Adibe Emenyonu in Benin-City

First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has congratulated the acting Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, on her appointment.

In a release she personally signed, Tinubu prayed that the tenure of Nigeria’s second female CJN would witness success, innovation, and advancement of justice for all.

The first lady stated, “On behalf of every Nigerian girl and woman, I celebrate the newly sworn-in acting chief judge of the federation, Hon Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun.

grassroots economic empowerment, Mrs. Tinubu provided a lifeline to 1,000 women petty traders in Edo State through her Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) with a total of 50 million, with each beneficiary receiving a grant of 50,000. The empowerment ceremony, held at the Esan Central Council Secretariat in Irrua, saw Dr. Betsy Obaseki, First Lady of Edo State, presenting the cheques on behalf of Mrs. Tinubu.

In a speech delivered at the event, Dr. Obaseki conveyed Tinubu's message, and emphasised that the initiative was part of a broader nationwide programme aimed at supporting 37, 000 women across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

In a statement jointly signed by the leader of the South-East Senate Caucus, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, and his House of Representatives counterpart, Hon Enwo Igariwey, the federal lawmakers said whatever caused the non-inclusion should be rectified. They expressed alarm over the "glaring absence" of beneficiaries from South East tertiary institutions in the list of beneficiaries of the students' loan being disbursed on behalf of the Federal Government by NELFUND.

institutions in the country, South East higher institutions were conspicuously missing from the list," the Caucus said.

In defending the non-inclusion of Institutions from South-East, NELFUND had stated that even though verification lists were sent to all schools, South East institutions were yet to respond to the request for verification of the lists sent to them.

"Wth a total of N2,946,927,155 already disbursed to 27,667 from 19

"Consequently, the South East caucus of the National Assembly,

wishes to urge tertiary institutions in the South East to comply with the verification request by NELFUND, so that our children can benefit from this national programme.

"We also wish to encourage all South East students, who need this support to ensure they apply. This is important as it can help ameliorate some of the challenges limiting access to higher education, which we must all agree is critical to self-development and growth," the statement said.

"In these times where many youths feel they do not have worthy role models, you are an example that depicts the power of education, hard work, and consistency that is being laid out for all to see.

"Your swearing-in exemplifies that each girl and woman can aspire to get to the pinnacle of their chosen career, but with dedication, hard work, and integrity.

"I celebrate you and pray that your tenure will be marked by continued success, innovation, and the advancement of justice for all. Congratulations!"

Meanwhile, in demonstration of the federal government’s commitment to

She added that the goal was to provide financial backing to small and medium enterprises (SMEs), particularly those run by women, who were often the backbone of local economies.

In her address read by Obaseki, Tinubu highlighted the crucial role that women played in fostering economic growth and sustaining their communities.

She lauded the resilience and determination of the women traders, who had continued to support their families, despite numerous challenges.

Chuks Okocha in Abuja

L-R: Chief Executive Officer, Lagos Free Zone, Adesuwa Ladoja; Managing Director, Nigeria Export Promotion Zone Authority, NEPZA, Olufemi Ogunyemi; Director, Corporate Services, NEPZA, Haleema Sani-Kamba; Executive Secretary, Nigeria Investment Promotion Council, NIPC, Aisha Rimi and Director of Commercialization, Lagos Free Zone, Tejaswi Avasarala during the 19th CII India-Africa Business Conclave held in India...recently

Like General Polls, Off-circle Gubernatorial Litigations Fail to Produce Upset

The curtains over legal dispute in the off-circle governorship polls was drawn last week when the Supreme Court delivered the final judgements in the Bayelsa, Kogi and Imo States governorship elections, without ordering the removal of any governor, indicating either that it is becoming nearly impossible to void INEC’s declaration of winners or simply that the judiciary is refraining from replacing the choices of the electorates. Alex Enumah reports.

In Nigeria, there are three categories of persons that decide the faith of political office seekers; first, the electorates who voted in an election, second is the electoral umpire that conducts the poll and lastly, the judges who decide the legality or otherwise of that election. So, any candidate going for an election in the country makes adequate preparation for these separate groups according to his or her understanding of the powers of each category.

Over the years, the claim that power belongs to the people has gradually waned as that power has been usurped by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), which most times conduct shambolic elections and the courts which hold that allegations of non-compliance, rigging, ballot snatching, disenchantment of voters, violence, among others were not proved beyond reasonable doubt to warrant a verdict in favour of the petitioners.

The situation has become so bad that politicians now do anything to get INEC to declare them winners of an election and at the same time bold enough to tell losers to go to court. And this is because they know the allegations of malpractice and other issues that marred the polls are very difficult to prove, going by our current legal laws or that they have a lot of money to buy the judges over.

One politician that seemed to have understood the development better is the candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in the last governorship election in Kogi State, Senator Dino Melaye, who after losing at the poll to Usman Ododo of the All Progressives Congress (APC), stated that despite not being satisfied he would not be going to the court to challenge the declaration of Ododo as winner of the election. Although, the candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Mr Murtala Ajaka, initially refused to challenge the outcome

of the poll, he, eventually did so up to the Supreme Court.

Ajaka and his co-candidates in Bayelsa and Imo States claimed that they won the election but that the outcome was rigged in favour of the governors. INEC had declared Ododo, winner of the November 11, 2023 governorship poll haven scored 446,237 votes to defeat Ajaka, who came second with 259,052 votes, and Dino Melaye who came distant third position with 46,362 votes.

Dissatisfied, Ajaka and the SDP had approached the tribunal to challenge the victory of the APC and its governorship candidate. Citing substantial non-compliance with the Electoral Act, over voting as well as other irregularities, Ajaka had asked the tribunal to nullify the declaration of Ododo as governor. But, the tribunal headed by Justice Ado Birnin-Kudu in its May 27, 2024

judgement held that the petition was bereft of substance and accordingly dismissed it.

According to the three justices, SDP and Ajaka failed to prove the allegations of over-voting and non-compliance with the Electoral Act, 2022 in the petition, because all the evidence tendered by their witnesses was incompetent and full of inconsistencies.

The three-member panel also agreed with the submissions of the respondents that the allegations of forgery raised in the petition were pre-election matter, which ought to have been raised 14 days after the documents were submitted to INEC, and as such not within the jurisdiction of the tribunal.

Not satisfied, Ajaka approached the appellate court but was told his appeal was incompetent. According to Justice Onyekachi Otisi, the appellants could not provide credible evidence that the judgement of the tribunal was perverse. The appellate court also pointed out that the tribunal was right to have expunged the evidence of

Over the years, the claim that power belongs to the people has gradually waned as that power has been usurped by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), which most times conduct shambolic elections and the courts which hold that allegations of non-compliance, rigging, ballot snatching, disenchantment of voters, violence, among others were not proved beyond reasonable doubt to warrant a verdict in favour of the petitioners. The situation has become so bad that politicians now do anything to get INEC to declare them winners of an election and at the same time bold enough to tell losers to go to court.

the first witness called by the petitioners for being hearsay documents.

On the issue of forgery, the appellate court also agreed with the tribunal that the issue was a pre-election matter, which was outside the jurisdiction of the court. According to Justice Otisi, the allegation of forged document Ododo was said to have submitted to INEC was a pre-election matter which is handled by the Federal High Court and not the Tribunal. Having resolved all the issues raised in the appeal against the appellants, the court dismissed the appeal for lacking in merit and upheld the judgement of the tribunal.

Not deterred, Ajaka approached the apex court believing that both the tribunal and Court of Appeal erred and that their errors would be corrected and the declaration of Ododo as winner of the November 11, 2023 governorship election would be nullified. Unfortunately for him, this was not the case, as he and his die hard supporters that had accompanied him to the Supreme Court last Friday were not only disappointed but fully confronted with reality. That reality, which Ajaka admitted in a statement is that the 2023 Kogi governorship election has long been lost at the poll, hence the need to prepare for 2027.

“The world has witnessed the miscarriage of justice in our nation’s judiciary system, and we cannot help but feel a deep sense of disappointment and disillusionment. The judgement has left many questions unanswered and has further eroded the trust of the Nigerian people in the judiciary. We reject the outcome even though we have no other options available we will abide by the decision of the apex court”, the SDP candidate had said in a statement.

NOTE: Interested readers should continue in the online edition on www.thisdaylive.com

Uzodinma

Ododo

Diri

Group Features Editor: Chiemelie Ezeobi

Email: chiemelie.ezeobi@thisdaylive.com, 07010510430

Fortifying the Blue Economy of ECOWAS Zone E through Operation Safe Domain III

To fortify the Blue Economy of ECOWAS Zone , comprising Nigeria, Benin Republic, Togo and Niger Republic, Operation Safe Domain was borne. Now in its third iteration, the multi-faceted joint operation recently activated a maritime, air surveillance and intervention of the Gulf of Guinea waters. Chiemelie Ezeobi writes that the five-day operation was targeted at sustaining the gains recorded in countering maritime crimes and ensuring economic prosperity of nations

Undoubtedly, the ECOWAS Maritime Domain has faced numerous transnational maritime security challenges, including piracy, sea robbery, Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated Fishing (IUUF), as well as various forms of trafficking, which have undermined economic development and affected local communities.

While it is not yet uhuru, the region no longer bears the tag of one of the most dangerous waters in the world. And this is a testament to the efforts put in by the navies of the Zone E flank- through separate and joint operation of the waters.

Maritime Security Architecture

Lying across 19 coastal and island states, the Gulf of Guinea (GoG)coastline stretches from the waters off Senegal to the south of Angola, and is essentially an enviable treasure trove of rich resources as its waters covers 2.3 million square kilometers (888,000 square miles) and borders more than a dozen countries.

Comprising 26 countries grouped into two Regional Economic Communities (RECs) namely -Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS- 11 states with the return of Rwanda) and Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS- 15 states), it covers a surface area of 11,755,258 square kilometers, including a coastline of over 6000 kilometres from Senegal to Angola. In June 2013, the leaders of the Economic Community of West African States

(ECOWAS), the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS) and the Gulf of Guinea Commission (GGC) gathered in Yaoundé, Cameroon, to drive a common regional strategy to prevent and prosecute illicit activities in the waters of the GoG.

This regional strategy is the Yaoundé Architecture which comprises the Interregional Coordination Centre (ICC), which is the coordination and information-sharing structure that connects the Regional Maritime Security Centre for Central Africa (CRESMAC) and the Regional Maritime Security Centre for West Africa (CRESMAO) in Abidjan Cote D’Ivoire.

Essentially, the coastal space is divided into five operational maritime zones where activities are coordinated by five Maritime Multinational Coordination Centres (MMCC)- Zone A (Congo, DRC and headquartered in Luanda, Angola); Zone D (Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, São Tomé and Príncipe and headquartered in Douala, Cameroon); Zone E (Nigeria, Togo, Nigeria and headquartered in Cotonou, Benin Republic); Zone F (Burkina Faso, Cote D’Ivoire, Guinea, Liberia, Sierra Leone and headquartered in Ghana); Zone G (Gambia, Guinea Bissau, Mali, Senegal and headquartered in Praia, Cabo Verde).

Not done, the architecture trickles down to the national level with the Maritime Operational Centres (MOC).

Operation Safe Domain

Therefore, to ensure enhanced safety and security in the maritime domain of Zone E through operational patrols and sustained force presence at sea, Nigeria, Benin, Togo and Niger Navies recently activated a joint maritime, air surveillance and intervention of the Gulf of Guinea (GoG) waters tagged Operation Safe Domain (OP SD).

While Operation Safe Domain One was conducted in November 2021, the second one was flagged off on September 2023, while the third iteration just held this August.

According to the Director of Multinational Maritime Coordination Centre (MMCC) Zone E (whose mission is to strengthen activities aimed at cooperation, coordination, pooling, and interoperability of resources among Zone E Member States), Commodore Aniedi Ibok, OP SD was in furtherance of the implementation of the MOU on Joint Maritime Operations and Patrols (JMOP) agreed upon by the countries involved.

Flag Off of Third Iteration

The combined maritime security initiative within the Multinational Maritime Coordination Zone E codenamed Operation Safe Domain 111 was flagged off at Cotonou Port Naval Base, Gandhi, Republic of Benin on Monday, August 5, 2024.

Themed ‘Protecting the Blue Economy of ECOWAS Zone E through Maritime Security

Collaboration', this multi- faceted initiative set out to fortify the blue economy of ECOWAS Zone E through an unprecedented maritime security collaboration.

For this third iteration, Commodore Ibok said the significant reduction in maritime crime incidents, from 49 reported piracy cases in 2018 to just two in 2023 was part of the successes recorded to coordinated efforts by ECOWAS, member states, and international partners, hence the need to sustain the joint operation.

While outlining the objectives of Operation Safe Domain III, he said it focuses on enhancing the capacity of navies and maritime security agencies; promoting information exchange and cooperation; and creating a safe environment for maritime commerce.

The Special Guest of Honour, Minister of National Defence, Mr. Fortunet Alain Nouatin, represented by Brigadier General Sanni Bachabi, commended the collaborative efforts that made Operation Safe Domain III possible.

Also speaking, Ambassador AbdelFatau Musah, Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security of the ECOWAS Commission, said the oceans are a major economic and environmental resource where some 90 per cent of international trade is conducted, thus the current 4 X 4 strategic objectives of ECOWAS, including objective 1 (strengthening regional peace and security), call for the full operationalisation of the ECOWAS maritime security architecture.

Special Guest of Honour, Minister of National Defence, Mr. Fortunet Alain Nouatin, represented by Brigadier General Sanni Bachabi, flagging off Operation SAFE DOMAIN III flanked by Flag Officer Commanding, Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral Mustapha Hassan (fourth right); Ambassador Abdel-Fatau Musah, Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security of the ECOWAS Commission; Director, Regional Maritime Security Coordination Centre, West Africa, Commodore Richard Shammah (eighth left); and others

Acting Nigerian Ambassador to Benin Republic with the Nigerian Navy deployment for Operation SAFE DOMAIN III and CRESMAO Head of Information and Operations, Navy Captain Adagogo Jaja (fourth left)

Director of Multinational Maritime Coordination Centre (MMCC) Zone E, Commodore Aniedi Ibok flanked by commanding officers of DB ABUJA, NNS KANO, Beninoise Naval Ship (BNS) ALIBORI and Togo Navy Ship (TNS) AGOU

DB ABUJA and NNS KANO at Cotonou Port Naval Base, Gandhi, Republic of Benin

Fortifying the Blue Economy of ECOWAS Zone E through Operation Safe Domain III

Director, Regional Maritime Security Coordination Centre, West Africa, Commodore Richard Shammah, said since countries are now becoming more aware of the great economic importance of what the sea offers to their various economies if the seas are safe, it has become necessary to have a collaborative sea line of communication and trade.

Fleet Strength

During the five-day operation, four vessels from Nigeria, Benin Republic and Togo, alongside the aircraft provided by Nigeria, patrolled, policed and monitored the total water area of 105,746 square nautical miles (sqnm), thus denying pirates and other maritime criminals freedom of action on the Zone E flank of the GoG waters.

The operation involved vessels from participating nations with DEEP BLUE (DB) ABUJA commanded by Captain Idongesit Udoessien as the Officer-in-Tactical-Command while Commander Ayo Pacheco manned Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) KANO.

The others include Beninoise Naval Ship (BNS) ALIBORI commanded by Lieutenant Odunlami; Togo Navy Ship (TNS) AGOU commanded by Lieutenant Commander Tchamdia; Nigerian Navy (NN) 312 Helicopter commanded by Commander Aderinto; and NN Special Boat Services (SBS) elements led by Sub Lieutenant Adeoye.

Stronger Commitment to Maritime Safety, Security

If there was any stronger commitment made to secure the regional waters, it was the disclosure by the Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Ikechukwu Ogalla, of the transition from international sponsorship to Zone E member states taking full ownership of the initiative.

Ogalla, who was represented by the Flag Officer Commanding, Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral Mustapha Hassan, added that the third iteration of Operation Safe Domain aims to build on the lessons learned from previous operations, while enhancing information sharing and collaboration among the participants under the operation's goal of enhancing maritime safety and security across the GoG.

Ogalla further affirmed that the region has moved past the darkest days when maritime criminals operated in the Gulf of Guinea with impunity, attributing the success to the coordinated efforts of the ECOWAS, maritime security stakeholders, and international partners.

Operations at Sea

According to Captain Udoessien, at sea, they conducted maritime patrols utilising surface vessels and aerial surveillance to monitor and secure the operational area each country’s contingous zone including independent patrols. Also observed were surveillance and reconnaissance using the surface vessels, helicopters and UAV onboard DB ABUJA for realtime intelligence and situational awareness in collaboration and assistance of the various MOCs and MDA facilities of the three participating nations.

Exercises like boarding and inspections were carried out between DB ABUJA and NNS KANO during

the anti IUUF exercise and the unopposed boarding between BNS ALIBOLI and DB ABUJA VBSS team in an anti-drug, human smuggling and stowaway situation.

Not done, an Anti-Piracy exercise was conducted involving the VBSS teams of DB ABUJA and TNS AGOU, while the NN Hel successfully inserted four elements of the NN SBS in an opposed boarding scenario.

Captain Udoessien added that seven joint exercises with allied naval vessels to enhance interoperability and coordination were planned and successfully executed including radio tactical and visual communication exercise involving Semaphore flags and flashing light morse code.

Other exercises include Anti-IUU fishing, opposed and unopposed VBSS, fleet manoeuvres, simulated Anti piracy interdiction, search, coordinated patrols and Man and Cheer Ship.

Challenges

Expectedly, challenges are bound to erupt in operations of this nature and this was not an exception. According to the four commanding officers of the vessels, they all had an initial challenge of establishing communication with the operations centre including disruptions due to technical issues with satellite links required the use of alternative communication channels.

Way Forward

On the way forward for subsequent operations, he called for more focus on technology, communication, and coordination of our MDAs to “further bolster our maritime security efforts in future operations”.

“We have indeed displayed to the world that we can synergise our efforts at sub regional levels to ensure maritime safety and security in order to ensure a thriving blue

economy of the Zone E nations,” Captain Udoessien added.

He also emphasised the need for continued investment in advanced surveillance technology and regular joint exercises to maintain and improve the region's maritime security capabilities as well as ensure an enhanced coordination between significantly improved response times and operational effectivenesses.

He also advocated for the continuous use of integration of UAVs and Helos in coordination with the MOCs, MDAs and Ops Centre to provide valuable real-time intelligence, which are crucial for mission success, he also urged for inclusion of more exercises such as GUNNEX, SAR, RAS and Man overboard scenarios.

Having taken note of the challenges, Commodore Ibok said the operation's success serves as a precursor to the next phase, Operation SAFE DOMAIN IV, slated for launch in March 2025, which will build on the achievements and lessons learnt so far.

“The launch and successful execution of Operation SAFE DOMAIN III represent a pivotal moment for West African maritime security. By strengthening regional cooperation and enhancing the capabilities of its naval forces, ECOWAS is paving the way for a more secure and prosperous future for the blue economy of Zone E. Our collective efforts today are paving the way for a safer, more secure maritime future in Zone E,” he added.

While the flag off of Operation SAFE DOMAIN III might have come and gone, THISDAY gathered that the operation would however continue in respective nations as the goal is to ensure continuous maritime security, safeguarding of critical infrastructure, and deterrence for illegal activities always in order to ensure prosperity of nations.

Special forces onboard DB ABUJA with Captain Udoessien

Nigerian Navy Special Boat Services personnel Rappelling from a NN Helicopter to DB ABUJA during the operation

Director of Multinational Maritime Coordination Centre (MMCC) Zone E, Commodore Aniedi Ibok

Commanding Officer, DB ABUJA, Captain Idongesit Udoessien

Commanding Officer, NNS KANO, Commander Ayo Pacheco

BUSINESS WORLD

Kayode Tokede

The Nigerian official foreign exchange (FX) market witnessed a significant increase in turnover, rising to N110.35 trillion in seven months of 2024, about 171.46 per cent increase from N40.65 trillion in seven months of 2023.

This is contained in the FMDQ Markets Monthly Report obtained by THISDAY.

Nigeria’s foreign exchange market has witnessed resurgence following the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) numerous policies, most especially the unification of the local currency.

The increase in foreign market turnover is a major boost that underlines growing confidence

in the Nigerian economy and continuing reduction in liquidity risks.

The reforms by CBN governor, Mr. Olayemi Cardoso has enabled the naira to trade more freely against the dollar.

The FMDQ Exchange report showed an increasing FX turnover, contributing significantly to overall financial instruments transactions at the secondary market.

Other instruments traded at the FMDQ market include: Treasury Bills, Open Market Operation (OMO bills, CBN special bills, FGN bonds, Money market, among other bonds.

An investigation by THISDAY revealed that FX turnover

contributed about 46.3 per cent to overall N238.5 trillion transactions report by the FMDQ Exchange in seven months of 2024.

The breakdown of the N218.5 trillion transaction at the secondary market turnover on FMDQ Exchange in January 2024 was N21.07 trillon, representing a Month-on-Month (MoM) decrease and Year-on-Year (YoY) increase of 41.16 per cent or N14.74 trillion and 61.58 per cent or N8.03 trillion from December 2023 and January 2023 figures, respectively.

In February 2024, it stood at N40.31 trillion, representing a MoM increase of 91.31 per cent or N19.24 trillion from January 2024.

According to FMDQ report, the overall secondary market

turnover in March 2024 was N48.87 trillion, representing a MoM and YoY increase of 21.22per cent or N8.55 trillion and 100.67 per cent or N24.51 trillon from February 2024 and March 2023 figures, respectively.

In April 2024, the total secondary market turnover on FMDQ Exchange was N27.50 trillion, representing a MoM decline of 43.73 per cent or N21.37 trillion and a YoY increase of 119.0 per cent or N14.94trillion from March 2024 and April 2023 figures, respectively.

However, in May 2024, the total secondary market turnover on FMDQ Exchange was at N41.69 trillon, representing a MoM increase of 51.62 per cent or N14.19 trilliion and a YoY increase of 164.26

per cent or N25.92 trillion from April 2024 and May 2023 figures, respectively.

Between June and July 2024, total secondary market turnover was at N28.43trillion and N30.63 trillion, respectively.

Amid increasing FX transactions, the Naira against the dollar has depreciated by 57.5 per cent Year-till-Date (YtD) to N1,560.32 against the dollar as of July 2024 from N990.96 against the dollar January 2024.

“Further, exchange rate volatility increased in July 2024 as the Naira traded within an exchange rate range of N1,500.32- N1,621.12 compared to N1,473.66-N1,510.10 recorded in June 2024,” the report added.

Meanwhile, analysts believe there may be even more dollars to come as the banks unwind the liquid portions of their long balance sheet foreign exchange positions. That should spur further gains in the exchange rate. Business activities rebounded after the federal government announced unification of the local currency and removal fuel subsidy. The CBN recently ordered banks to limit their foreign exchange exposure to curb risks to the financial system, in the latest move to improve liquidity in the country’s volatile currency market.

Ecobank and four other banks generated an estimated N1.62 trillion interest income from loans & advances to customers in half year ended June 30, 2024, an increase of 120 per cent over N736.09 billion reported in half year ended June 30, 2023. The increase can be attributed to the sustain hike of Monetary Policy Rate (MPR), now 26.25 per cent, by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

The five banks are FCMB Group Plc, Ecobank, Wema Bank Plc, FBN Holdings Plc and Sterling Financial Holdings Company Plc.

The unprecedented increase has not only set the MPR at its highest level to date but also reflects the CBN’s determined effort to address the persistent pressure on foreign exchange and inflation.

The decision has garnered praise from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), which commended the MPC’s resolve to tighten monetary policy further by increasing the policy rate to 26.25 per cent. Such a strategic manoeuvre aims to curb the inflation surge, which recorded a year-on-year peak of 34.19 per cent in June 2024, and to mitigate the depreciative pressures on the naira.

Analysis of the select banks’

unaudited results and accounts showed that Ecobank, a pan-African financial institution generated N641.08 billion interest income from loans & advances to customers in H1 2024, a 160.1 per cent increase from N245.43billion, while FBN Holdings declared N568.9 billion interest income from loans & advances to customers in H1 2024, about 131.8 per cent increase from N245.4 billion reported in H1 2023. On its part, FCMB Group posted N192/46 billion interest income from loans & advances to customers in H1 2024, a 68 per cent increase from N114.4billion; Sterling Financial Holdings Company reported N120.88 billion interest income from loans

and advances to customers in H1 2024, a growth of 58 per cent from N76.7 billion in H1 2023.

In addition, Wema bank reported N94.25 billion interest income from loans & advances to customers in H1 2024, about 76.1 per cent increase from N53.5 billion reported in H1 2023.

With the raising MPR, the banking sector average maximum lending rate dropped to 29.11 per cent in June 2024 from 28.67 per cent reported by the CBN in May 2024.

However, the steep increase in the policy rate has sparked concerns regarding the potential impact on the cost of credit for businesses already facing economic hardships.

Each bank offers different lending rates that reflect their respective approaches to lending to the manufacturing sector in Nigeria.

In Nigeria, large corporations perceived as having lesser risk with a history of generating consistent cash flows are offered prime lending rates, while small businesses and individuals perceived as having higher risk typically fall above the prime lending rate margin.

Analysts have attributed the increase in lending to the hike in MPR and severe macro economic challenges.

Recently, the CBN Governor, Dr. Yemi Cardoso, in a statement

highlighted the central bank’s proactive approach towards monetary tightening amidst challenging economic conditions. But analysts at FBN Quest contended that the rate hike will slow economic growth and reduce consumer spending.

“Ultimately, the impact on the general economy could be a potential slowdown in economic growth, with consumer spending suppressed, and a decrease in business investments,” FBN Quest said in a recent note.

Nume Ekeghe

AVIACARGO CONFERENCE…

L-R: Chairman Boff & Co. Insurance Brokers Limited. Babajide Olatunde-Agbeja; Mr. Shadrach Adegoke of AIICO Insurance Plc; Convener of AviaCargo Conference

the Commissioner for insurance, Mr. Segun Omosehin; Acting MD. Boff & Co. Insurance Brokers Limited, Ms. Omowale Olatunde-Agbeja; Executive Director, NSIA

Mr. Abedeen Musa; and Executive Director, Consolidated Hallmark Insurance Company Limited, Mr. Jimalex Orjiako during the AviaCargo Conference in Lagos… recently

some controversies, prompting the company to issue formal clarification.

Chairman, DAAR Communications Plc, Mr. Raymond Dokpesi Jr, has reassured the investing public, stakeholders and staff that the recent retirement of top executive management staff would not cause any setback for the organisation but rather make it attractive to investors, financiers among others.

The company recently announced the retirement of key members of its executive management team, including Dr. Oluwatosin Dokpesi and Mr. Tony Akiotu, effective October 31, 2024, as part of a broader move to comply with the company’s Internal Control Policies and Procedures Manual, which mandates the retirement of executives who have served over 10 years in their roles.

The development had also sparked

However, in an exclusive chat with THISDAY in Abuja, over the weekend, the chairman explained that the decision was taken in compliance with its existing rules after becoming a public limited company.

Also, he said measures have been put in place to overcome longstanding issues with the company as well as return it to the path of profitability.

He emphasised that the retirement of executive members was particularly a difficult decision that had to be taken for the growth of the entire organisation, adding, “I don’t see any cause for alarm internally as far as any kind of friction and divisions are concerned.”

Dokpesi said, “I can imagine that not everybody will be particularly excited about this news or this

Oyetola: Nigeria Will Reclaim Maritime Global Relevance Under Tinubu

The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has said that the country would reclaim its maritime global relevance under President Bola Tinubu’s renewed hope agenda.

This, in his view, is because of the political will of the President to create the Ministry of Marine and Blue

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Nume Ekeghe

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Economy, which is a monumental step towards harnessing the vast untapped potentials of Nigeria’s maritime sector.

Oyetola stated this at the Annual General Meeting of the League of Maritime Editors, held in Lagos recently, with the theme, “Renewed Hope Agenda: The Place of Nigeria’s Maritime Industry.”

According to him, “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to create the Ministry is a monumental step towards harnessing the vast untapped potentials of Nigeria’s maritime sector. This decision is not only a demonstration of the President’s deep understanding of the economic possibilities of the sector, but also a clear indication of his political will to ensure that Nigeria reclaims its rightful place as a key maritime player globally.

“The maritime industry has the potential to transform Nigeria’s economy, create jobs, and improve livelihoods. With our rich coastline and strategic location, the country is well positioned to become a key hub for maritime activities in Africa. The creation of this Ministry therefore reflects the government’s commitment to building a future where the blue economy plays a major role in national prosperity.”

The Minister, who was represented by the Director of Maritime Services at the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, Babatunde Sule, said they aim to sustainably leverage maritime resources to create jobs, increase revenue, and promote environmental stewardship.

development, but this is just the unfortunate practical realities that we have to deal with and contend with.

“But let me assure our investing public, our stakeholders, our regulators, and all well-wishers of Daar Communications Plc family, and our brands, that we are in absolute and total control of the situation.

“We have appraised of all the fears and all the concerns, and we will be certainly taking the most responsible decisions in the overall interest of all of us towards getting the very best for our value.”

He further assured that the exits of the most senior echelon of staff will give opportunity for talented professionals who have been stagnant in one position for years to also have opportunities for promotion and to give them additional responsibilities.

Dokpesi told THISDAY that the retirement exercise was in no way a witch-hunt of affected directors but an adherence to unanimously adopted internal control principles.

Providing further insights into the development, he said, “We have an

internal handbook or manual that we operate and our internal manual dictates that it is two terms of five years and that has been the policy of the organisation from inception. So, it’s not something that will now change to satisfy specific individuals or specific contexts. We just have to abide and comply with what we have.”

He added, “This is a particularly strategic course at this point to be able to engage with and identify critical partners and stakeholders, financial investors, financial lenders, financial institutions with which we can work with and cooperate and cooperate with.

“And one of the issues which is always bordered on compliance with the extant laws and regulation has been the issue of family membership on the board.

“But much more importantly than that has been the fact that we have an internal control process and procedures manual which defines how we as an organization operate and how we structure our board

and our corporate governance.”

According to him, “It is within our rules that members of executive management should spend a maximum tenure of two terms of five years, that’s ten years in total. And we have for one reason or the other not effected or put implementation to that. A number of the persons who are in the highest echelons of our management today are veterans of the industry, quintessential professionals who very much started this business with my dad all the way back in Alagbado when we were a little radio station in Lagos back in 1993-1994.

“They have grown within the system and within the organisation and many of them have held leadership positions, executive management positions in excess of 15, 17 years, some in excess of 20 years.

“Now, what does that mean for us as a Plc? At that time Daar Communications was a limited liability company so there were no issues about the tenure of executive management.”

Continuing, he said, “It was a decision strictly of the board and the shareholders of the company to determine if they were satisfied with management’s performance to keep them in position or not.

“Subsequently, having listed on the stock exchange, we need to essentially start counting those years. We listed on the stock exchange around 2008, if I’m not mistaken and for those members of the board whom were of executive management who were already in the executive management before that time, their tenures would narrowly also have lapsed around 2018.

“A number of others joined the executive management subsequent to our listing. The group managing director comes to mind as well as maybe two or three other members of management, but in any case, all those tenures have lapsed between 2018 and sometime this year in 2024 and so we decided that we need to actually take the bull by the horn and take the difficult decision.”

Tinubu to Inaugurate $115m WACT Terminal Upgrade Project

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will officially commission the upgraded West Africa Container Terminal (WACT) in Onne, Rivers State, next Wednesday.

WACT, operated by APM Terminals in Onne, Rivers State, is Nigeria’s largest and most efficient container terminal outside Lagos.

An unprecedented $115 million (approximately N178.2 billion) upgrade project commenced at WACT in 2021.

The Managing Director of WACT, Jeethu Jose, remarked that the completion of the upgrade marks a significant milestone in the history

of Nigerian ports.

He said, “We are pleased to announce the successful completion of the upgrade of our terminal at Onne Port. This will be a gamechanger for Nigeria, and we’re thoroughly excited about it.

“The fresh investment of $115 million is a further testament to the trust and confidence that APM Terminals has in the Nigerian economy and contributes to our purpose of improving lives for all while lifting global trade.”

WACT is Nigeria’s first greenfield container terminal to develop under a Public-Private Partnership

(PPP) model. Strategically situated within the Oil and Gas Free Zone, Onne, Rivers State, the terminal has evolved into the premier gateway for accessing markets beyond the Lagos region and a vital conduit to Eastern Nigeria’s burgeoning economy. On August 15, 2020, WACT made history when it received the largest container vessel ever to berth at any Nigerian port. The vessel, Maersk Stadelhorn, measures 300 metres in length overall and 48.2 metres in beam, with a capacity to carry approximately 10,000 Twenty-Foot Equivalent Units

(TEU) of containers. Several dignitaries, including Governors, Ministers, heads of government agencies such as the Nigerian Ports Authority, Nigeria Customs Service, Nigeria (NCS), Immigration Service, Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC); Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) and Oil and Gas Free Zones Authority (OGFZA), representatives of shipping companies, freight forwarding associations, importers and exporters, among others, are scheduled to attend the commissioning ceremony.

Aviation stakeholders have called on the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) to review its insurance policy in aviation so that airlines can pay single premium for the coverage of aircraft risks.

Currently, airlines pay double premium for some leased aircraft types because some lessors insist that certain international insurance companies must cover the risk for its leased aircraft in Nigeria, while NAICOM also insists that airlines must insure their aircraft locally in tandem with local content policy of the Federal Government.

In order to meet these two demands,

airlines pay double premium, insuring such aircraft locally and at the same time insuring same aircraft with the international insurance companies recommended by the lessors.

Due to the high cost implication, airlines urge that there could be a concession; whereby NAICOM could waive local insurance for these particular aircraft types, while they insure the rest of their fleet with local insurers.

Stakeholders from both aviation and insurance sectors brainstormed over this existing policy during the Chinet AviaCargo 2024 conference held at the Marriot Hotel, Lagos at the weekend.

The Chief Executive Officer, Overland

Airways, Captain Edward Boyo, called for the review of the aforementioned policy, remarking that such laws that made it compulsory for all aircraft types to be insured locally have become inimical to the aviation industry and therefore should be reviewed.

“Some of these rules, regulations and laws work against the industry they were made for. This is because the sentiments at the time they were made, the environment, economic environment, was different. If we look at comparative advantage of nations, we, Nigeria, do not have strength in capacity to produce aircraft.

“We do not have strength and the financial capacity to own aircraft. I

think the aircraft that are wholly insured in Nigeria, without duress, are the aircraft that are financed by the local banking institutions. Now, the industry, the market, is restricted as of today by this insurance difficulty, the imposition of the fact that we have to insure our aircraft locally,” Boyo explained.

In his reaction, the Commissioner for Insurance and CEO, National Insurance Commission, Segun Ayo Omesehin, said that certain laws are made by a country to protect certain aspects of its economy, noting that the whole concept is to create local content to protect the economic interest of Nigeria.

Oluchi Chibuzor

James Emejo in Abuja

Chinedu Eze

2024, Mr. Ikechi Uko;

Insurance Co. Limited,

BUSINESS SPECIAL

Editor:

goddy.egene@thisdaylive.com 0803

Ekpo’s One Year of Propelling Nigeria’s Gas Devt and Utilisation

In an eventful one year in office, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Rt. Hon. Ekperikpe Ekpo, has pushed the development of the Nigerian gas sector beyond the expectation of industry stakeholders, writes Peter Uzoho .

Last Wednesday, Nigeria’s pioneer Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Rt. Hon. Ekperikpe Ekpo clocked his one year of being in charge of the new ministry created by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Ekpo was sworn in by the President Tinubu on 21st of August, 2023 as one of the members of the federal cabinet.

Not surprisingly, however, his appointment initially generated mix feelings and reactions among the players in the Nigerian oil and gas industry because of his being an outsider in the sector. Many industry experts had doubted his capacity to make an impact in the gas sector through sound policy initiatives and management of stakeholders because of their fear of his presumed limited knowledge and experience in the hydrocarbon industry.

Indeed, such fears were justifiable considering the attention placed on gas as a critical resource to tackle Nigeria’s acute energy poverty, propel its industrialization, ultimately rescue the country from years of underdevelopment and secure a brighter future for the next generations.

This is because at the heart of realising the foregoing ambitions were the task of restoring investor confidence and attracting the desperately needed investments into the gas sector, leading the completion of key ongoing projects, addressing some of the critical fiscal, regulatory, commercial, and environment concerns from the upstream to the midstream and downstream segments of the gas sector among other issues.

The federal government under the past and present administration had launched several initiatives aimed at pushing the gas sector to contribute more to the overall economy. These include: the Nigerian Gas Master Plan; the Energy Transition Plan/NetZero Plan; the National Gas Flare Commercialisation Programme (NGFCP); the Autogas/Compressed Natural Gas Programme and the Decade of Gas programme, among others.

No doubt, these are all important programmes that need a robust leadership and strong collaboration between the government and the industry stakeholders to actualize. Hence, the initial skepticism about Ekpo’s capacity to deliver because of his limited professional experience in the sector.

However, after one year of being on the saddle as Nigeria’s Minister of State in charge of gas resources, Ekpo has practically disproved such impressions by actions, and has surpassed the expectations of the players in the industry.

His one year in office has been characterised by remarkable milestone achievements in propelling the development of the gas sector in the country through many programmes of the government. He has successfully won the heart of the industry players and stakeholders as can be seen in the level of cooperation and collaboration existing between him and them, and through the accolades he has been receiving.

MAJOR PROJECTS DELIVERED

Immediately after his swearing in and assumption of office on 21st August, 2023, the minister, who had understood the enormity of the task given to him and the need for him to replicate his excellence in the academia in his new national assignment, swung into action. After getting the necessary briefings from the agencies and corporates under his ministry, Ekpo started visiting the sites of the ongoing gas development projects to ascertain their stages of completion and to see to their final completion and coming on stream.

His first port of call was the multi-billion-dollar Obrikom, Obiafo, Oben (OB3) gas pipeline and that of Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano (AKK) gas pipeline. The two critical infrastructure were designed to boost gas supply for use by Nigerians and industries located across the corridors traversed by the pipelines. Sadly, these projects were abandoned to fate and became almost moribund as contractors lacked the push to pursue them to deadlines.

But on assumption of office, Ekpo toured the sites of these projects more than twice in a space of seven months, held meetings with relevant contractors and the management of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC), and obtained commitments for their completion.

From the 40 and 20 per cent progress work he met on ground, respectively, the minister has ensured that these two important projects advanced to 80 and 50 per cent respectively. Now, the OB3 project is to be completed within the fourth quarter (Q4) of 2024, while

AKK would be completed before the end of first quarter (Q1) 2025.

RESOLVING LEGACY GAS PURCHASE AGREEMENTS/ DEBTS

On the market side of the gas sector, Ekpo has provided the requisite leadership in resolving issues relating to the execution of the Gas Sales Purchase Agreement (GSPA) for Brass Methanol Project to unlock $3 billion investments in the gas industry. He has also resolved the lingering 13 years debt arrears between gas producers and power generation companies (Gencos) in the country through a structured repayment mechanism. This sole act has ensured continued investment in the gas upstream space to support delivery of natural gas to Gencos.

DRIVING NIGERIA-MOROCCO GAS PROJECT

Also, the minister, who inherited the NigeriaMorocco gas pipeline project upon his assumption of office, has been driving bilateral discussions on the project. The $25 billion pipeline project was designed to traverse the Republic of Benin, Togo, Ghana, Cote d’Ivoire, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, The Gambia, Senegal, Mauritania and terminate in Morocco, with a spur to Spain for onward sale of gas to Europe.

COMPLETED PROJECTS

Under the watch of the minister, a number of critical gas development projects have been completed and inaugurated. These are: the expanded Ashtavinayak Hydrocarbon Limited (AHL) Gas Processing Plant in Kwale, Delta; the Assa North-Ohaji (ANOH) Gas Processing Plant in Ohaji-Egbema, Imo State and the 23.3km ANOH to Obiafu-Obrikom-Oben (OB3) Custody Transfer Metering Station Gas Pipeline Projects. At the inauguration of the facilities, the president had stated that approximately million standard cubic feet (500MMscf) of gas in aggregate would be supplied to the domestic market from the two gas processing plants, which represents over 25 per cent incremental growth in gas supply. Describing the projects as important facets of the Decade of Gas initiative, Ekpo had noted that

the federal government’s intervention policy in the gas sector had seen domestic production increase by 800MMscf/day.

Also, the minister inaugurated the 3.1million metric tonnes standard cubic feet per day (MMscfd) Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) plant undertaken by Tetracore Energy Group in Ogun State. He equally unveiled the 5.2MMSCFD CNG/autogas facility at Ilasamaja, Lagos State; and Inaugurated the 300MMscf/d Kwale Gas Gathering Hub in Ndokwa West Local Government Area of Delta State.

Moreso, the minister performed the groundbreaking for NesGas 50,000 metric tonnes Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) Terminal at Onne, Rivers State; the Optimera Energy’s natural gas facility in Lekki Free Trade Zone, Lagos; the 3.1MMscfd Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) facilities by Tetracore Energy Group in Ogun State; and Windek Energy Limited 20,000 metric tonnes LPG depot in Atabrikang Aquaha, Ibeno LGA, Akwa Ibom State.

MORE TARGETS

However, with more government’s focus on promoting clean cooking in the country, Ekpo’s ministry is targeting to convert 250,000 houses annually to LPG.

He had flagged off the Decade of Gas Grassroots LPG Penetration Programme in Abuja to achieve the goal of having inexpensive, safe, and clean cooking energy source available to every household in Nigeria.

Ekpo had explained that the mission of the scheme was to change millions of Nigerians’ lives by converting 250,000 houses annually to LPG use by 2030.

He said the outreach was a proof of his reducing the suffering of Nigerians from using firewood, kerosene and charcoal as cooking fuel for homes, to a cleaner and safer energy source - gas.

In addition, in the last one year, the minister has also brought on stream over 12 CNG retail station in Abuja and Lagos with plans for further expansion to other states of the federation.

STAKEHOLDERS HAIL MINISTER

In recognition of the achievements recorded by Ekpo within the one year, he had been in

charge of the Nigerian gas sector, stakeholders in the industry have commended him for surpassing the expectations of the industry.

.According to a renowned gas expert, Dr Owolabi Ajibade, Ekpo’s tenure has been marked by visionary leadership, strategic foresight, and demonstrably positive outcomes.

He said the minister’s achievements in fostering innovation, attracting investments, and prioritising sustainability have laid a strong foundation for the transformation of Nigeria’s gas industry and the establishment of a robust gas-based economy. Ajibade stated: “Imagine a Nigeria where clean, efficient LPG fuels homes, businesses, and industries across the nation.

“Ekpo’s focus on domestication efforts is making this a reality, improving air quality and public health. Beyond homes, a revitalised gas sector will usher in an era of economic opportunity. The projects spearheaded by Ekpo will create jobs, empower local businesses, and position Nigeria as a key player in the global energy market.

“As Nigeria navigates the evolving global energy landscape, Ekpo’s leadership stands as a beacon of progress, ensuring that the nation leverages its vast human and natural resources for the benefit of all its citizens.

“By unlocking the potential of its gas reserves, Nigeria can look forward to a future powered by progress, prosperity, and a cleaner environment.”

Also, the Nigerian Association of Liquefied Petroleum Gas Marketers (NALPGAM) has commended Ekpo for the courage and boldness in ordering the domestication of all LPG produced within the country.

National President of NALPGAM, Mr. Oladapo Olatunbosun, said the policy introduced by Ekpo has resulted in the reduction and stabilisation of the product’s price in the domestic market.

He recalled that during a stakeholders’ consultative forum in Abuja in February this year, the association had drawn the minister’s attention to the fact that some international oil companies (IOCs) operating in Nigeria had been exporting huge volumes of gas out of the country,

He added that if these volumes were to be available for the domestic market, there would be no need to import LPG at exorbitant rates as the product will be available and there will be price stability in the local market.

He thanked Ekpo for heeding to their plea, saying his intervention has seen the price of LPG that was sold for N20 million per 20 metric tonnes reduced to N15 million per 20 metric tonnes.

Olatunbosun further pointed out that at the retail end, the policy had also led to a corresponding decrease from N1,500 and N1,600 per kilogramme to between N1,000 and N1,200 per kg.

KEY ACTION POINTS IN YEARS AHEAD

However, while the minister may be relishing his achievements in the gas sector in his first year in office, it is imperative that he remain focused and resilient and not rest on his oars as a lot still needs to be done to really unlock and harness the potential of the gas sector in Nigeria. First, he should work towards getting the awardees of the gas flare sites under the NGFCP to start developing their assets. Currently, a lot of the awardees are still parading their award certificates without making any practical attempt at moving to sites.

Secondly, the minister should see to possible resumption of talks on the long-abandoned $30 billion Olokola and Brass Liquefied Natural Gas projects sited in Ogun and Bayelsa States, respectively, but were reportedly stalled due to political reasons, leading to the withdrawal of the IOCs that were partnering with the NNPC on the deal at time.

Thirdly, Ekpo should find out why the NLNG has been unable to fulfill its maiden LNG supply to local market in 2022 and see how the bottleneck can be tackled.

Lastly, as he leads the Nigerian delegation to the Gas Technology Conference (Gastech) holding next month in Houston, the United States, Ekpo should, as he had done in other previous international gas fora, effectively market Nigeria’s gas sector by highlighting the huge opportunities for prospective foreign investors and participants at the occasion.

Ekpo

BDAN Grows Income by 138.9%, Admits New Directors

Nume Ekeghe

The Bank Directors Association of Nigeria has reported a remarkable 138.9 per cent increase in total income for the year end 2023.

BDAN Chairman, Mustafa Chike-Obi disclosed this at its 27th Annual General Meeting (AGM), held via Zoom Teleconference recently.

He disclosed that the AGM saw the retirement of three directors by rotation and the introduction of two new directors to the board, reflecting the Association’s continued growth and strategic evolution in the Banking sector.

Chike-Obi noted that the impressive financial performance of the Association, which saw a 138.9 per cent increase in total income year-on-year compared to 2022 underscores BDAN’s expanding influence and the effectiveness of its initiatives over the past year.

Chike-Obi highlighted the association’s continued

success in advocating for member Banks, noting that BDAN has achieved significant recognition as a key player in the industry. This recognition has afforded the Association a voice in critical decision-making processes, further strengthening its role in the Banking sector.

He called on Managing Directors, Chief Executive Officers, and both Executive and Non-Executive Directors of Banks to support BDAN’s strategic initiatives.

He said: “The Association’s total income performance saw an impressive increase of 138.9 per cent year-on-year compared to 2022 and Net Assets grew by 13.4 per cent. These significant achievements are a direct result of your unwavering support for BDAN’s strategy and vision.”

On her part, the Chief Executive Officer, BDAN, Adebukola Orenuga, provided a detailed account of the Association’s advocacy efforts over the past year. She emphasised BDAN’s continuous engage-

ment with Banks, industry stakeholders, regulators, and the different arms of government and highlighted the Association’s three key strategy areas which are Advocacy, Capacity Building and Research & Development.

She said: “Over the past year, BDAN has been at the forefront of critical advocacy efforts and discussions aimed at collaborating with industry stakeholders, regulators, the Legislature and Executive branches of government.

“Our mission has been to drive necessary regulatory reforms and foster meaningful partnerships and collaboration across key areas in the sector, which aligns perfectly with the theme of this year’s Bank Directors’ upcoming summit, Propelling Economic Growth: Leveraging Partnerships to Unlock Economic Prosperity and I encourage all key economic stakeholders to participate in this summit, which promises to be both enlightening and productive.”

Omosehin Targets Building Insurance Sector Ready to Meet Obligations

Ebere Nwoji

The Commissioner for Insurance, Mr. Olusegun Ayo Omosehin, has said that his earnest desire as the new Chief Executive officer of insurance sector regulator the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) is to build a highly respected insurance sector that could meet its obligation to the public.

Omosehin who stated this at his maiden interactive session with the media in Lagos also reeled out his five point agenda targeted at sustainable growth for the insurance market. According to him, one of his agenda is to

provide the Nigerian insurance market with a new direction built on solid commitment to change the image of the industry in the estimation of the insuring public and other relevant stakeholders. He further said his administration would focus interest on welfare of policyholders to rebuild public trust and confidence on the insurance sector.

“There had been declining confidence on the industry due to some market entities not being able to fulfill their obligations. We have some ailing entities and operators that we are managing to save the interest of the market. Our concern is to protect the

interest of policyholders,” he stated.

He also said he would strengthen NAICOM’s internal regulatory capacity and enthrone the regime of right regulatory framework to deliver on its mission.He further said the commission would also build financially sound operators that could meet their obligations to policyholders.

Omosehin further said NAICOM has the intention to create an innovation hub to serve as the nucleus to drive innovation for the industry, adding that operators needed new ideas that could allow the development of the market.

Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation, OPTS Complete Leadership Training for Civil Service Directors

The Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation, in collaboration with the Oil Producers Trade Section (OPTS), has successfully concluded a four-week leadership and project management training program for 61 Directors from Nigeria’s Federal Civil Service.

The foundation in a statement noted that the training, which was hosted at the Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation (OHCSF), focused on enhancing the leadership skills and project management capabilities of participants drawn

from 10 different ministries.

Director of Planning, Research, and Statistics at the Federal Ministry of Power, Mrs. Bosede Opeyemi Olaniyi, said: “It was a privilege to be selected for the inaugural cohort of this training programme.”When I first saw the training schedule, I was worried as it posed some conflicts with my work commitments, but the comprehensive outline quickly convinced me of its immense value. I found the project management module particularly enlightening. Beyond the academic content, the opportunity to connect with other

Directors from across federal MDAs is invaluable.”

On her part, Director of Programmes at the Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation, Chioma Njoku, praised the commitment of the participants, stating, “These dedicated civil servants have demonstrated exceptional commitment throughout the training. By investing in their leadership development, we are empowering them to become catalysts for transformation in the public sector. This training is a crucial step towards our shared goal of improving the lives of Nigerians.”

Mouka Partners Lagos Food Bank Donates Dreamtime Mattresses to Vulnerable Children

Mouka, the market leader in Nigeria’s sleep industry, has partnered with the Lagos Food Bank, a non-profit organization, for its Nutritious Meal Intervention for Vulnerable Mothers and Children (NUMEPLAN) program, an initiative set to significantly improve the lives of these vulnerable groups. Lagos Food Bank is a privately run non-profit organization committed to fighting hunger, reducing food waste and solving the problem of

malnutrition through targeted programs that seek to improve the nutrition/food intake of pregnant women and their infants who are not able to get the required nutrient during pregnancy and breastfeeding of their babies.

Mouka has a long-standing tradition of social responsibility. Over the years, it has partnered with the government, several NGOs, and allied organisations to provide comfort and succor to the less privileged in society.

When asked about the rationale behind this partnership, Mouka’s Senior Brand and Innovation Manager, Yemisi Obadina, underscored the company’s unwavering commitment to the wellbeing of Nigerians. She said, “At Mouka, the comfort and health of Nigerians is our top priority. From our wide range of world-class sleep products to unparalleled service delivery, we are dedicated to our mission of adding comfort to the lives of Nigerians.

Blend (Algeria), Djeno (Congo), Zafiro (Equatorial Guinea), Rabi Light (Gabon), Iran Heavy (Islamic Republic of Iran), Basrah Medium (Iraq), Kuwait Export (Kuwait), Es Sider (Libya), Bonny Light (Nigeria),

Murban (UAE) and Merey (Venezuela).

Senior Brand Manager, Mouka Limited, Yemisi Obadina and Asst Brand Manager, Mouka Limited, Chibuzor Ehiemere together with some recipients of the 50 units of Dreamtime Kiddies mattresses donated at Lagos Food Bank Numeplan program to support quality sleep for young children...recently

Nume Ekeghe

Analysts Project Mixed Trading as Stock Market Drops

Kayode Tokede

As the stock market depreciated by 1.16 per cent in its Weektill-Date (WtD) performance, analysts have projected mixed trading in the new week, stressing that dynamics for the new week to include a mix of sentiments, and profit-taking activities.

The stock market had experienced notable profittaking activities and sell-offs, particularly across some mid

and large-cap stocks. The market last week experienced a profit-taking trend, with three out of five trading sessions closing in the red.

This leading the Nigeran Exchange Limited All-Share Index (NGX ASI), dropping by 1.16 per cent on a week-on-week basis to close at 95,973.45 basis points from 97,100.31 basis points, bringing the market Year-till-Date (YtD) performance to 28.35per cent. This decline was primarily

PRICES

driven by pressured sell-offs in the consumer goods and industrial goods sectors, a reflection of the ongoing interplay of market dynamics amidst heightened volatility.

In terms of sectoral performance, the picture was largely positive, as NGX Oil & Gas led the gainers for the week by 3.54 per cent. NGX Insurance index followed with a weekly gain of 1.90 per cent, while NGX Banking index rose by 0.37 per cent W-o-W.

On the other hand, the NGX Industrial Goods and NGX Consumer Goods indices retreated by 4.94 per cent and 1.42 per cent week-on-week respectively,

The market breadth for the week was positive as 43 equities appreciated in price, 34 equities depreciated in price, while 74 equities remained unchanged. R T Briscoe led the gainers table by 59.41 per cent to close at N2.71, per share. Tantalizers followed with a

by 1.16% WtD

gain of 54.55 per cent to close at 68 kobo, while Oando went up by 33.47 per cent to close to N47.85, per share.

Similarly, Cutix led the decliners table by 37.37 per cent to close at N3.10, per share. Dangote Cement followed with a loss of 10.00 per cent to close at N532.00, while The Initiates Plc (TIP) declined by 9.78 per cent to close at N2.03, per share.

Overall, a total turnover of 5.641 billion shares worth N33.052 billion in 42,006

deals was traded last week by investors on the floor of the Exchange, in contrast to a total of 2.033 billion shares valued at N42.155 billion that exchanged hands previous week in 45,157 deals.

The Financial Services Industry (measured by volume) led the activity chart with 4.977 billion shares valued at N17.877 billion traded in 19,064 deals; contributing 88.22 per cent and 54.09 per cent to the total equity turnover volume and value respectively.

TRADED ASOF AUGUST 22/24

POLITY

Examining Dangiwa’s Transformation Agenda for Housing Sector in One Year

In the first one year since his appointment, the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Mr Ahmed Dangiwa, appears to be reshaping the landscape of the housing sector in Nigeria with innovative ideas, writes Emmanuel Addeh

Nigeria, with its rapidly growing population and accelerating urban migration, has long struggled with housing challenges. These range from a staggering deficit in affordable homes to the proliferation of slums and substandard living conditions. For decades, these issues have persisted, exacerbated by systemic inefficiencies, inadequate financing, and a lack of coherent national strategy.

But in the about 365 days after taking over the reins at the ministry, the minister, Ahmed Dangiwa has taken on a different approach, treating challenges as opportunities for transformative change.

Being an expert, an architect with experience spanning three decades, his leadership seem to reflect a deep understanding of the interconnected nature of housing with other sectors such as the economy, infrastructure, and housing financing.

State of Housing in Nigeria

Housing is a fundamental human right that is central to the wellbeing of any nation. It provides more than just shelter; it is a cornerstone of health, security, social and economic opportunity. Nigeria currently faces a housing deficit in excess of 20 million units, a figure that underscores the severe shortage of adequate housing available to the population.

Rapid urbanisation, driven by a booming population, has exacerbated this shortage, as cities struggle to accommodate the influx of new residents. Other factors such as rising inflation, high cost of living, low incomes, and lack of supporting policies for homeownership are also worthy of note.

The result has been the proliferation of informal settlements and slums, where living conditions are often dire. A recent survey by PwC highlighted that 75 per cent of Nigeria’s 42 million housing units are substandard, statistics that starkly illustrate the depth of the crisis.

The housing deficit, further compounded by systemic issues within the housing sector itself, including high construction costs, restrictive land acquisition processes and limited access to affordable financing options have created significant barriers to homeownership for millions of Nigerians.

Moreover, the sector has been plagued by inefficiencies in public housing agencies, outdated policies, and a lack of coherent national strategy. It is within this challenging environment that Dangiwa assumed office, with a clear resolve to confront the issues head-on and to effect real, lasting change.

Strategic Action Plan

The plan, above and beyond being just a collection of policy proposals represents a visionary roadmap designed to guide the ministry’s operations and to ensure that every Nigerian has access to affordable, decent housing. The strategic action plan encompasses several key components, each of which is critical to the overall success of the Minister’s vision for Nigeria’s housing sector.

Reforming Federal Housing Institutions

One of the first steps taken by ministry was the reform of the housing sector, along with its key federal housing institutions, including the Federal Housing Authority (FHA) and the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN).

These reforms are aimed at enhancing the efficiency of these institutions, improving service delivery, and aligning their operations with the broader vision of providing affordable and decent housing for all Nigerians.

As part of the reformation, on February 15, 2024, President Bola Tinubu approved change of leadership in the housing institutions, FHA and FMBN. Following this, Oyetunde Ojo was appointed to lead the affairs of the FHA while Shehu Osidi took over as Managing Director of FMBN.

The Minister, at an inaugural meeting with the new Executives, charged them to transform the housing agencies to effectively deliver on their mandates and the Renewed Hope Agenda for housing captured in his famous “Fail to Perform and Leave” speech. Beyond giving the charge, the minister has set in place every necessary modality to guide, supervise and ensure that these agencies

meet up to expectations.

Homes, Liveable Cities, Thriving Ecosystem

Recognising the urgent need to address the housing deficit, the ministry set an ambitious target of constructing at least 20,000 housing units annually. This target is particularly focused on creating affordable housing options for low and middle-income earners, who experience difficulty in accessing housing within the affordable threshold.

The establishment of the National Social Housing Fund, designed to provide financing options for those who lack access to traditional mortgage facilities, is a key component of this initiative. By increasing the supply of affordable housing, the Ministry aims to make homeownership a reality for millions of Nigerians.

The Renewed Hope Cities and Estates Programme has become the poster child of the Ministry, noted as one of Mr President’s Top 10 projects for 2024.

Expected to deliver 50,000 housing units in the first phase, the Cities cited in seven cities, including the FCT, Lagos, Port Harcourt, Kano, and Enugu, are to have at least 1,000 housing units of various house types, while the estates in the remaining 30 states will have 250 housing units per site.

Speaking during groundbreaking exercises in 12 states recently, the minister said the entire 50,000 housing units to be built in the first phase will provide jobs for 1,250,000 Nigerians, help lift 100 million Nigerians out of poverty, and support the President’s bid to create a $1 trillion economy.

Dangiwa has moved to ensure that homes built under previous administrations are completed and allocated to deserving citizens. This initiative reflects a zero-tolerance approach to uncompleted projects, ensuring that public resources are efficiently utilised and that Nigerians can benefit from the housing projects that have already been initiated.

In addition to increasing housing supply, there’s a strong emphasis on urban renewal and slum upgrading. These initiatives are aimed at improving the quality of existing housing stock while also developing new residential areas equipped with modern amenities.

By focusing on upgrading slums and improving living conditions in urban areas, the minister looks to address the dual challenges of inadequate housing and poor living conditions, thereby ensuring that all Nigerians can live in dignity.

Another major focus is land acquisition, which remains one of the most significant hurdles in housing development, given acquisition procedural bureaucracies and high cost. To address this issue, the Housing Ministry, under Dangiwa’s leadership has taken steps to streamline land administration

processes, making it easier and more cost-effective for developers and individuals to acquire land for housing purposes.

Part of these efforts is the proposed National Land Commission to operationalise the Land Use Act, and review of sections of the Act deemed outdated. These land reforms are crucial for reducing the cost of housing and for making land more accessible to those who need it most.

Building Materials Manufacturing Clusters

To further reduce construction costs and promote local industry, the ministry is establishing building materials manufacturing hubs across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones. This initiative is not only aimed at supporting the housing sector but also at driving economic growth and job creation.

By encouraging the local production of building materials, the ministry is helping to reduce the reliance on imported materials, which are often more expensive and subject to fluctuations in global markets. This is expected to make housing construction more affordable, enhancing accessibility to housing by majority of Nigeria’s population within the low and middle income brackets.

One of the four reform task teams inaugurated by the minister months ago called the Building Materials Manufacturing Hubs Task Team was charged with the responsibility of mapping out modalities for the establishment of the hubs, recommending an ownership and funding structure, identified locations, and other operational technicalities.

Skill Acquisition Programmes

The National Artisan Skill Acquisition Programme (NASAP) is another critical component of the Ministry’s action plan. Skills are important for the economy. A 2015 report by the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) affirmed that “the key to achieving inclusive and sustainable development lies in increasing the knowledge and skills of populations.”

By equipping Nigerians with the necessary skills to participate in the housing sector, the minister is attempting to address both unemployment and the shortage of skilled labour in the construction industry. The programme is designed to create a pool of skilled artisans who can contribute to the ongoing housing projects, thereby supporting the sector’s growth and development.

Furthermore, the growing spate of building collapse in Nigeria in the last decade offers justification for such a programme.

Milestones

The four Reform Task Teams earlier mentioned and inaugurated on January 16, 2024, include the Housing Institutions Reform Task Team which is chaired by Adedeji Adesemoye, Multi-Agency Project Delivery Task Team with Brig. Gen. Tunde Reis (rtd) as Chairman, Land Reform Task Team under the Chairmanship of Ugochukwu Chime and Building Materials Manufacturing Hubs Reform Task Team with Nuhu Wya as Chairman.

The task teams, comprising industry experts, stakeholders, and government representatives, are saddled with the duties of developing blueprints that would unleash the potential inherent in the housing sector. So far, the task teams have been instrumental in identifying bottlenecks and proposing amendments to existing laws and policies.

As the minister says, the reforms underway are set to be the most comprehensive in the history of Nigeria’s housing sector, paving the way for a more efficient and responsive housing market.

Entered the ‘Renewed Hope Cities and Estates Programme’, a flagship initiative launched in February 2024, with the groundbreaking of 3112 housing units in Karsana, Abuja. This aims to deliver 50,000 housing units across Nigeria. The first phase includes the construction of 1,000 units per site in each geopolitical zone and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), while 250-unit estates are being developed in the remaining 30 states. The Renewed Hope Cities are designed as integrated living communities, offering a mix of housing options that cater to all income brackets. From one-bedroom flats to five-bedroom duplexes, these developments aim to provide affordable housing while fostering social integration.

Notably, the Renewed Hope Cities and Estates Programme is meant to be a catalyst for economic growth. The construction of these housing units is expected to generate over 1.25 million jobs across various trades, from bricklayers to engineers. This job creation will have a ripple effect, stimulating local economies and creating business opportunities in areas surrounding the construction sites. By linking housing development to job creation, the Ministry is contributing to broader economic development goals.

Furthermore, in a series of groundbreaking ceremonies across the country, the ministry has demonstrated his commitment to decentralising housing development. From Katsina to Delta, the Ministry has initiated projects in 13 states, totalling 6,612 housing units, 3,112 of which are funded under a public-private partnership arrangement, which the other 3,500 units are captured under the 2023 supplementary budget.

The ongoing work in these states signifies the Ministry’s focus on tangible, on-the-ground progress, ensuring that housing development is not confined to a few urban centres but is spread across the entire country.

To streamline the process of acquiring homes, the ministry launched an online housing portal, offering a transparent and user-friendly platform for Nigerians to apply for housing units.

This digital initiative is expected to make homeownership accessible, efficient, and secure. The portal marks a significant step towards modernizing the housing sector and making it more inclusive, allowing more Nigerians to participate in the housing market without having to travel physically to apply. With a mobile phone or any digital device in hand, Nigerians from any part of the world can apply for a house through the online housing portal.

Additionally, the ministry has expanded the Urban Renewal and Slum Upgrading Programme. With projects underway in 26 sites nationwide, the programme focuses on providing essential services such as water supply, road rehabilitation, electricity, and sanitation.

These efforts are aimed at uplifting some of the most vulnerable communities, ensuring that all Nigerians can live in dignity. By targeting urban renewal and slum upgrading, the ministry is addressing the root causes of urban poverty and inequality, making a significant contribution to social equity. It’s still early days yet, but for Nigerians, especially the middle-to-low-income earner, what is important is a streamlined sector that makes it possible to own decent homes that provide shelter, safety, and dignity, with funding opportunities that are sustainable and affordable.

Dangiwa

PERSPECTIVE

ActionAid- WVL-N Initiative: Five Years of Giving Voices to Voiceless Women

By Christian Ita

Funded by Global Affairs, Canada and armed with the goal of empowering women and girls by advancing their rights and supporting women-led organisations, networks and movements through capacity building and mentorship, influencing gender related laws, preventing and fighting Gender Based Violence ( GBV) among others, the Women’s Voice and Leadership Nigeria WVL-Nigeria launched in 2019, through the instrumentality of ActionAid, has impacted the lives of many Nigerian women.

Five years down the line, via ActionAid’s implementations, the WVL-N initiative has resolutely pursued a new lease of life for women and girls in Nigeria, increasing their enjoyment of human rights while advancing gender equality.

Through innovative strategies- campaign, advocacy, networking and building alliances, community and High-level engagements, partnerships and funding and research and documentation- the ActionAid WVL-N project has not only rewritten the narratives of vulnerable women in Nigeria but has also given women and girls the voice to be heard and the wings to fly through relentless advocacy and empowerment programmes; as well as the pursuit of justice and rehabilitation for abused and traumatised vulnerable women who lack access to justice, education and economic empowerment.

In the course of its five year project, the initiative made an appraisal of women participation in politics and decision making positions and the outcome was that Nigerian women are utterly marginalized and underrepresented in the political turf and other decision making avenues.

Given the foregoing, WVN-L in the last five years embarked on a sustained advocacy,support and contributions towards increased women participation in politics and leadership positions and it has been paying off. For example, more than ever before, in the last five years, more female undergraduates in Nigeria have won elections into their various institutions’ Student Union Governments.

For instance, at the Department of Computer Science, Institute of Management and Technology, IMT, Enugu, a female student recently emerged, for the first time, the Departmental President. Similarly, a female student was elected as President of the National Association of Akwa Ibom State Students in the College of Health Technology, Calabar.

At the University of Cross River, UniCross,a female student was elected the first ever female Vice president of the University’s SUG.

In the largely conservative Northern part of Nigeria, many female undergraduates also got elected into SUG positions. For example, 64 young females students won several seats in the SUG of various high institutions in Kebbi state, including the first female Vice President of Kebbi state College of Nursing and Health Sciences. A female student was equally elected as the Vice President of the National Association of Kebbi state Students, NAKSS.

The WVL-N project also supported the development of Gender-policies in five Nigerian Universities leading to three young female undergraduates emerging first ever SUG Presidents in their various schools- Enugu state College of Education ( Technical), Peaceland College Enugu and the University of Calabar, Unical.

In an unprecedented milestone, WVL-N’s advocacy for increased women participation in decision making process saw 190 women making history as members of traditional leadership council in Bauchi, Enugu, Cross River, Kebbi and Kwara states.

On the whole, within five years, the WVLN’s advocacy for women participation in politics successfully mobilized 2566 women to register as first time voters while 131 women enabled with direct link to project interventions vied for political offices.

Similarly, between 2019 and 2024, the initiative supported 7,857 women to collect their Permanent Voters Cards, PVCs while 40 women won various elections with verifiable attributes to the WVL-N project.

In the last five years, the ActionAid inspired

project maintained an unwavering commitment to building the capacity of women and girls and eradicating poverty, removing the various restraints and barriers including early marriages, lack of access to formal education, financial incapacities etc militating against women’s participation in Nigeria’s economy. This can be gleaned from its various funding streamsincluding multi year grants, the Opportunity Fund, the Strategic Innovative Fund and COVID-19 Top- Up Fund- which along with a flexible and participatory approach enabled 182 women-based organisations to directly impact the lives of 4,082,535 individuals and indirectly reach over 3,067618 people.

In terms of direct, physical economic empowerment, ActionAid’s five years of pursuit of good tidings for women and girls through the project, culminated in the economic empowerment of 22, 445 women and girls across the six project states of Enugu, Cross River, Bauchi, Kebbi, Kwara, Lagos and the FCT.

The break down of this figure shows that 6,500 rural women were able to establish their small scale businesses armed with start-up grants or equipment.

Notedly, the exceptional scheme for economic growth, Village Savings and Loans Association, VSLA played a pivotal role in WVL-N’s financial and economic empowerment of women. The scheme was adopted and implemented by the project states plus the FCT with 532 groups including 13, 911 women.

Between 2019 when the project kicked off and VSLA incorporated into it, a total of 233 local government areas in the six states plus the FCT were covered. One of the benefiting women was ecstatic when economic and financial benefits of the exercise dawned on her.

Essentially, over the last five years, benefiting women collectively saved N417.5million, reflecting their commitment to financial security and growth.

The cash share- out amounted to N417.5million, which imply that the savings are not only substantial but fairly distributed to enhance the financial and economic capacities of the women involved.

In the course of its intervention in the lives of women and girls, especially the vulnerable segment, ActionAid, implementing initiative, WVL-N received tremendous collaboration from the various Local Women Rights Organisations, LWROs in the project states which enable holistic implementation of the project. For instance in Bauchi, many of such LWROs, including Fahimta Women and Youth Development Initiative, were partners and they also benefited from such partnership in the form of grants and economic empowerments.

The summation of WVL-N’s financial involvement with women in the six project states with the FCT indicates that in the last five years, a total of N2, 283, 989, 106.74 has been expended.

The LWROs equally played salutary roles in chronicling incidence of sexual abuse of women and girls as well as GBV which enable WVL-N to aggressively intervene, thus between 2019 and 2024, the project was able to influence 47 gender related laws, policies, strategies and

frameworks at the state, national, institutional and community levels culminating into the passage of Violence Against Person Prohibition Law passed in six states.

The project has been instrumental in addressing GBV and Violence Against Women and Girls( VAWG) across the six states and the FCT by working through the various LWROs and Community- Based Organisations, CBOs.

The project also influenced the domestication of the United Nations Security Council’s resolution 1325 and the development of Kwara state action plan. In addition Gender strategy and GBV prevention and response strategies were developed for some schools, including five universities in the project states.

Over 4, 781 directly benefited in the GBV/ VAWG services, including legal, medical and psychological support and empowerment activities for survivors. In all, between 2019 till date, a total of 4683 GBV cases were managed in addition to the establishment of GBV multistakeholders response committee in some of the project states which contributed to response and justice for GBV survivors with 178 court judgements secured and 114 successful court judgements. Economic empowerments were also provided to 335 survivors.

One of such instances where WVL-N came through for a GBV victim and survivor was the celebrated case of a 31 year mother of two, Chidinma. Her story is a warm and inspiring testament to the effectiveness of the partnership between LWROs and WVL-N in standing up against GBV and giving survivors a new lease of life. Chidinma’s woes started in Abia state where she endured persistent assaults from her partner and her life and those of her two kids were in constant danger as a result.

It was at this stage that a LWRO, Women’s Aid Collective, WACOL in collaboration with WVL-N and another LWRO, Project Alert acted swiftly to shield Chidinma from further violence by evacuating her to Lagos and getting her an accommodation, away from her monstrous partner. She was also availed medical services to fixed her health which was damaged by the series of abusives she had endured.

The next phase of her rehabilitation was providing her with supplementary financial assistance to commence a small scale trade thus enabling her to rebuild her life and move on. Expressing immense gratitude to the initiative and the LWROs that came through for her, Chidinma said: “I’m so thankful for everything that was done for me and my children. I never thought I would be able to escape, but now I have hope again”

WVL-N’s strident campaigns for the rights of women and the deliberate education of vulnerable women, especially women in rural areas, about their rights in the society in the face of obnoxious laws and cultural practices inimical to their rights have been yielding positive and encouraging results in the last five years.

For example, in Obioma community in Udi local government area of Enugu state, it was a pleasant surprise for Ifeoma Onuorah to know from WVL-N that she has equal

right as her male siblings to inherit their late father’s properties. Before WVL-N educated her on her rights, Ifeoma had accepted as fait accompli, the long held cultural belief and norm which dictated that only men inherited their fathers’ properties, including land, which she was all along denied inheritance by her male siblings of the properties left behind by their late father.

WVL-N was also able to educate and explain to a broad spectrum of Obioma women that in Igboland presently, in line with the judgement of the Supreme court, women now have equal inheritance rights as men.

A glance into an abridged summary of some of WVL-N Project achievements in the last five years reveals the following:

-100 Women led organisations’ system and programming abilities strengthened. -182 women led organisations received funding from the project’s three funding streams including the COVID-19 top up grant.

-191 grants disbursed to 182 LWROs across 24 states and the FCT.

-47 women’s rights related legislations, policies, and commitments influenced at state and national levels.

-190 women made history as members of traditional leadership councils in four project states.

-9,036 Sexual and GBV survivors( women and girls) directly reached.

-N408,802652 saved by 13, 911 women through the 532 VSLA groups in 232 communities.

-1,532,323 women and girls reached with economic and justice empowerment initiatives.

-29,696 women organisations and individuals provided with online information on gender equality, feminist interventions and women’s rights advancement through the Feminist Hub.

- From 2019 to 2024, the project has reached 7,150,153 women and girls inclusive of people living with disabilities, PLWDs across 24 states and the FCT.

WVL-N successes in the last five years cannot be divorced from its innovative approach to issues bordering on the wellbeing and rights of women. Notedly, such innovative approaches as I SupportHer Club, made up of 40 young men formed to motivate positive changes in attitude among men and boys towards women and girls greatly helped, it impacted positively.

Similarly, the use of Women Radio( WFM 91.7) to disseminate information, educate and champion the cause of women’s advancement and equality in Nigeria was another great approach, so also was the the introduction of Financial Technology, FinTech into the formal community led savings and loans schemes.

Overall, ActionAid Nigeria deserves its flowers for advancing gender equality and increasing the enjoyment of human rights by women in the country.

Some beneficiaries of the project, the Small Holder Women Farmers of Nigeria (SWOFON) in FCT

FOSTA BOOTCAMP IN ASSOCIATION WITH MOORES AWARD...

Insurance Broker/Guest Speaker, Babajide Odunfa; Educationist/Special Guest of Honour, Olatomirin Akinlade; CEO Moore's Energy Ltd/Convener Florence Olabisi Segun Training Academy

Chief Education Officer,Lagos state Ministry of Basic & Secondary Education/guest speaker, Bose Deji-Oderinde; Lagos State Ministry of Basic & Secondary Education, Adetola Dasaolu and Senior Lecturer University of Lagos/Guest Speaker, Dr Gbenga Adewumi at the FOSTA bootcamp in association with Moores Awards for Public Schools (MAPS) for year 2023 award winners held in Lagos...weekend

Obi Epiphany Azinge Enthroned

Fourteenth Asagba of Asaba

Omon-Julius Onabu in Asaba

Obi Prof. Epiphany Chigbogu Azinge on Saturday, August 24, 2024, took the traditional oath of office at the Opechi, and was duly enthroned as the 14th Asagba Asaba at the 'Oji Ogbeafor'.

The event which was witnessed by the Asaba royal hierarchy comprising Ndi Obi, Olinzele's, Ogbueshi’s, Okwulagwe's, Umuada's and the entire Ahaba (Asaba) community signifies a new era of leadership in the kingdom.

The occasion featured singing and dancing to herald and salute their new king, with the strategic Ogbe-Ogonogo Market in Asaba metropolis shut as a sign of respect for the new monarch.

The Asagba-designate had recently taken the Obiship (red cap chieftaincy) title as one of the leading contestants to the throne.

The Obi title (red cap) which is the highest traditional social rank amongst the Ahaba people, that is, Obi institution; but Azinge

IYC Passes Vote of Confidence on Lokpobiri, Rejects Call for His Redeployment

The Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) has rejected calls by a faction of the Ijaw youths calling for the redeployment of the Minister for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Sen. Heineken Lokpobiri, just as they passed a vote of confidence on him, describing him as a great asset in the President Bola Tinubu-led administration.

The umbrella body of Ijaws youths worldwide in a statement after their series of meetings among the 9th leadership of the body, said they wholeheartedly reject in its entirety the publication calling for the redeployment of Lokpobiri.

A press statement signed by its spokesman Binebia Princewill said the statement was not just a rebuttal but a position of the entire Ijaw Youth Council, covering all organs and structures of council in Delta, Edo, Ondo, Bayelsa, Akwa Ibom, Rivers, Imo, Abuja, Lagos, UK, other chapters in the diaspora and all affiliate bodies of the IYC.

He said the publication calling Lokpobiri as incompetent and heaping the blame on him on the fuel hike and other woes in Nigeria did not emanate from the council and did not receive the blessings of the Ijaw people.

The statement read in part: "Consequently, the Ijaw Youth Council is using this medium to call on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and all well-meaning Nigerians to completely ignore calls for Heineken Lokpobiri's redeployment.

"Lokpobiri is competent and doing his job very well. It will be wrong for anyone to have called

for his redeployment on the basis of incompetence as there is no minister in Nigeria now that is more competent, resourceful and productive than our articulate and visionary Sen. Heineken Lokpobiri.

"The IYC as a struggle platform established in 1998 was to protect the interest of the Ijaw people at all point in time and not to antagonise and attack the interest of the Ijaws and her respected leaders.

"It is important to establish that council has a well carved out channel of communication for which it is essentially the duty of the president and spokesman of council that are charged with the responsibility to convey the message of the Ijaw Youth Council to the public after due consultations as the case may be with relevant key stakeholders in Ijaw land.

"The founding principles of the Ijaw Youth Council forbid the IYC to fight against the interest of Ijaw nation hence we must always stand to defend Ijaw nation and her leaders, even if there are issues, this must be done through discreet means without coming to the public."

It also added that it does not really tell well and was totally wrong, condemnable to see that it's an Ijaw son that is the one calling for his redeployment out of the minister.

The statement added: "As Ijaw people, we are not comfortable that we only have one minister in the Federal Executive Council and we have been fighting and agitating for more political and economic inclusion in the Nigerian State; we cannot fight as Ijaw people to reduce our already disjointed political space in the Nigerian state".

has also been one of high-ranking traditional chiefs in the Asagba’s cabinet with the title of ‘Okilolo Ahaba’.

Prof. Epiphany Azinge, was last year appointed a judge and first African President of the Commonwealth Arbitral Tribunal sitting in London.

Obi Prof. Azinge, who is a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), was the 5th Director-General of

the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies (NIALS). THISDAY learnt that the contenders who sought to succede the cerebral 13th Asagba of Asaba, Obi Prof. Joseph Chike Edozien, who rested with his ancestors in February this year, all hail from Ugbomanta Quarters, of the five quarters (ebos) of Asaba Kingdom, in line to produce the next Asagba. Meanwhile, in line with Asaba

custom and tradition, Asagba's queen (wife), Dr. Valerie Azinge (SAN), has also been decorated as Okpoho Eze, as a rightful beneficiary of the Obiship position.

The Ochendo Ahaba (Regent) Dr. Anthony Edozien, recently announced the result of the selection process in line with the Traditional Rulers and Chiefs Edict of 1979, applicable to Delta State, at the old palace of the Asagba of

Asaba at Ezenei Quarters in Asaba, the Delta State capital, followed by widespread jubilation in Asaba. Consequent upon his taking of the oath of office yesterday, Obi Azinge ceases to be greeted "Obi Igwe!" and will henceforth be addressed as "Nna Agu! Nna Agu!! Nna Agu!!! Obi Prof. Epiphany Chigbogu Azinge (SAN, OON, FNIALS) Nna Agu!!!"

Inclusion Drive: UNICEF Partners Media Organisations to Amplify Children's Voices

Segun Awofadeji in Bauchi

As part of its inclusion drive, the United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF), Bauchi Field Office, is partnering broadcast media stations in the states that make up the field office to give more spaces for children to enable them voice out their own special needs.

Under the approach, child participatory radio and television presentations are given priority to enable children air their views in their own languages and perceptions for the world to understand and act.

Through the initiative, children are now allowed to anchor segments of programmes, live and recorded, covering key areas of their development concerns

such as nutrition, health, security, education, rights protection among others.

When contacted on why the introduction of the new approach, a Communication Working Partner with UNICEF, who is coordinating the implementation, Umar Muhammad Shira, said that in as long as all the media stations have their functional children’s desks, UNICEF is keying into existing programmes by way of enhancing the capacity of producers to bring in creativity in their works so that, there will be more visibility reportage on key issues affecting the children.

Umar Shira stressed that when properly reported, those at the helm of affairs like policy makers will be tasked to also

have a paradigm shift in areas of funding children development and welfare issues.

He also said that global attention, especially in the implementation of SDGs is shifted towards collaborative efforts by all the stakeholders as a workable strategy in pushing for better outcomes on the outlined and targeted goals.

The media therefore has a role to play in the areas of information dissemination, sensitization of the society and mobilization for positive action, he stressed.

The coordinator charged media stations to see the partnership as a call to duty to offer their platforms for the survival and development of children while on her part, UNICEF promises

to come in from time to time with little support to keep the flag flying in the best interest of the children.

In an interview, the Communication Implementing Partner, Umar Muhammad Shira, said that with the new approach, media stations are expected to encourage the children to directly participate in the programming so as to be able to expand their cognitive thinking in line with present circumstances of global attention to their flight and to speak for themselves.

He stressed that children are now being allowed to anchor programmes on radio and television stations as a concrete step to speaking on behalf of the entire children in Nigeria.

Oborevwori Appoints Oghenesivbe DG, State Orientation and Communications Bureau

Omon-Julius Onabu in Asaba

Governor Sheriff Oborevwori has approved the appointment of Dr. (Barr.) Fred Latimore Oghenesivbe, as the Director-General, Delta State Orientation and Communications Bureau.

Approval for the appointment was contained in a letter signed by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Dr Kingsley Emu, stating the appointment took effect from 19th August, 2024.

Until his appointment as the new director-general, Dr. Oghenesivbe was the Executive Assistant on Orientation and Communications/Head of Orientation Bureau, a position he held for about ten months.

As director-general, Oghenesivbe is

expected to combine regular state-wide sensitization campaigns with articulation of government policies, programmes and achievement, as well as lead a team of communication professionals.

Reacting to his new appointment, Oghenesivbe thanked the governor for finding him worthy to head a team of experts at the bureau, while assuring the state government of his unalloyed loyalty and dedication to duty.

Oghenesivbe said: "Words are not enough to thank His Excellency, Governor of Delta State, Elder Sheriff Oborevwori, for finding me worthy to occupy the enviable position of director-general. Am indeed very grateful; and, to God be the Glory!

"The M.O.R.E Agenda is already working for Deltans, and the Bureau under my watch shall consistently do

the needful to project the numerous achievements and programmes of this administration."

Numerous congratulatory messages have been pouring in for Dr. Oghenesivbe on his new appointment, including those of the immediate past Delta State governor, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa, the African Union Ambassador, Dr Leonard O. Obie, and the State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), through a statement signed by Comrade Churchill Oyowe and Comrade Victor Sorokwu, the Council Chairman and Secretary, respectively.

Dr. Oghenesivbe holds a Bachelor of Science Degree, second class upper division in political science, a Law Degree, Barrister at Law postgraduate certificate, and a Call to Bar Certificate from the Body of Benchers in Nigeria.

The new D-G, Orientation and Communications, holds a doctorate degree in Communication strategy, a professional doctorate degree in information management strategy, master’s Degree in Public and International Affairs, postgraduate diploma in Mass Communication, Master degree in Mass Communication (in-view), University of Lagos, among others.

Dr. Oghenesivbe is a member of the Nigerian Bar Association, Ikeja Branch, a Distinguished Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Information and Strategy Management, a Fellow of the Civilian Institute of Democratic Administration, a full member of the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs, and Member of the American Political Science Association amongst others.

Olusegun Samuel in Yenagoa

(FOSTA),Bola Tom-Jones;

TARABA GOVERNOR'S SON'S WEDDING CEREMONY...

Former President Goodluck Jonathan and Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke at the Taraba State Governor 's Son's wedding held at the Government House, Jalingo, Taraba State on Saturday

Police, Shiite

Adherents

in Bloody

Clash in

Abuja, Some Officers Dead, Several Injured

Sect allege killing of members, symbolic trek disrupted

Olawale Ajimotokan and Linus Aleke in Abuja

There was pandemonium in the Wuse district of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, yesterday, as adherents of the Shia branch of Islam, otherwise known as the Shi’ite group, had a bloody confrontation with the Nigeria Police, leaving some dead, and others injured.

The violent confrontation, which degenerated into a gun duel, also led to the burning of several police vehicles.

The FCT Police Command, in a statement by the Commissioner of Police, Benneth Igweh, confirmed the death of two police officers during the confrontation.

Igweh also disclosed that three other personnel were unconscious in the hospital, and three police patrol vehicles were set ablaze by the religious group.

According to him, “The FCT police command wish to confirm an unprovoked attack by the proscribed Islamic Movement of Nigeria, popularly known as the ‘Shiite' group, on some personnel of the Nigeria Police Force attached to FCT command at Wuse Junction by traffic light, where two police personnel were killed, three left unconscious in the hospital, and three police patrol vehicles set ablaze."

Igweh stated that the proscribed organisation attacked the police checkpoint unprovoked, wielding machetes, and improvised explosive devices – locally made bombs in bottles with kerosene, and knives.

He stated that several arrests had been effected.

The police commissioner vowed to bring those involved in the attack to book. He told residents of the FCT that the situation had

since been brought under control and normalcy had been restored.

Igweh promised to continue to update the public on further developments.

But the Islamic movement, in a counter statement, said the police attacked the Arbaeen Symbolic Trek in Abuja and killed numerous mourners.

The statement by Sheikh Sidi Munir Mainasara Sokoto, on behalf of the Islamic movement under the leadership of his eminence Sayyid Ibraheem Ya’qoub El-Zakzaky, stated, "We wish to inform the public that police have attacked the ongoing Arba’een Symbolic Trek at Wuse District in Abuja and killed numerous mourners.

“While trying to disperse the Arbaeen Trek, the police killed and injured numerous mourners. Presently, security agents are busy arresting the Arbaeen Trek mourners."

Sokoto stated that medical practitioners were attending to those critically injured, and details of those killed, injured, and arrested will be made available to the press in due course.

He said, "Before the commencement of the trek, we have searched all participants to ensure no infiltration, and the programme will end as scheduled."

Sokoto explained further that the Arbeen Trek that was conducted on Saturday at Masaka and Zuba axis ended peacefully and successfully.

That was not the first time the religious sect under the umbrella of Islamic movement would clash with state forces.

There were similar clashes in 2016, 2018, 2020 and several others in the northern states, outside the FCT. A case in point was the violent clash between the group and the Nigeria Police and Nigerian Army in 2018.

International Youth Day: UNFPA Encourages Bauchi Govt to Empower Youths Through Education, Entrepreneur Skills Acquisition

In commemoration of the International Youth Day, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), has urged the Bauchi State government to deliberately invest inclusively in youths by empowering them through education and entrepreneur skills acquisition in order to harness their potentials towards an overall socio-economic development of the state.

The organization also stressed on the role of digitalization in the lives of youths, saying that this will enhance their empowerment initiatives which is essential for the development of the nation.

The Bauchi State Coordinator of UNFP, Deborah Taraba, stated this weekend at a one-day Sensitization and Entrepreneurship Acquisition

Training for adolescence and young persons themed - "From Clocks to Progress: Youth Digital Pathway for Sustainable Development" - organized by the Bauchi State Government through the Office of the Sustainable Development Goals

(SDGs) in collaboration with the United Nations Fund for Population Activities (UNFPA), held at the Mac Dallas event center in Bauchi.

She said that young people have the power to make physical and digital world more just, equal, peaceful and safe, stressing that a young generation born into a digital world are adept at harnessing the vast opportunity that technology offers to build a more inclusive present and future.

According to her, "Young people have boundless potential to inspire and change our communities, state and the national as a whole, as they are vibrant and full of ideas.

"On this International Youth Day, we celebrate the resilience, strength, and progress young people are making towards driving change in their communities and beyond. Their journey is one of overcoming obstacles and asserting their rights.

"We commend the office of the Bauchi State Sustainable Development Goals for organizing this event as part of the government’s effort to empower young people

through education and entrepreneur skills acquisition, highlighting the significant strides being made to harness young people potentials.

"UNFPA's mandate is grounded in the International Conference on Population and Development and its Programme of Action, which calls for addressing the interrelationships between population, sustained economic growth and sustainable development, as well as poverty, hunger, health, education and gender equality in policies and programmes, which are without doubt some of the most important of all the United Nations SDGs.

"In the spirit of partnership and cooperation, UNFPA is committed to working closely with Bauchi State Government to achieve its development outcomes for the growing population of young people, who constitute more that 35% of the 8,780684 population (2024 UNFPA population projection) in the state.

"It is important to put the right investment to harnessing their potential towards an overall

socio-economic development of the state. As no state can achieve sustainable development without understanding the needs and deliberately investing inclusively in the youths and young persons living in our communities today including persons with disability to ensure than no one is left behind."

Also speaking at the event, the State Commissioner of Budget, Economic Planning, and Multilateral Coordination, Aminu Hammayo, disclosed that the state government will soon establish an Information and Communication Technology (ICT) hub to engage the state’s youth in ventures that promote growth and development.

He stated that Governor Bala Mohammed has approved the appointment of 27-year-old Ibrahim Tijjani to head the ICT unit of the state, adding that the government believes in the ability of the youth to participate actively in governance, which is why it has included many young people in its cabinet, making it a youth-driven administration.

In 2018, members of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN) and a combined force of the Nigerian Army and police engaged in a bloody clash, which left several dead and many injured.

Trouble, reportedly, started when the Shi’ites poured into the FCT from all major routes leading to the city centre to observe the Arbaeen mourning procession, despite warnings from security agencies not to do so.

Subsequently, three people were killed and two soldiers wounded

in a clash involving members of the Shiite sect and the Nigerian Army. The Nigerian Army accused members of the Shiite sect of attacking soldiers and policemen on duty at Kugbo/Karu checkpoint in Abuja on October 29, 2018. Then Commander, Army Headquarters Garrison, Major General James Myam, alleged that the sect members mounted a roadblock and tried to attack an Army convoy carrying ammunition.

Lagos Cooperative Sector Boosted as LASCOFED Pledges Support

Mary Nnah

The Lagos State Cooperative Federation (LASCOFED) has pledged its support to the cooperative sector in Lagos, aiming to boost economic growth and alleviate poverty.

Speaking during a four-day joint unions retreat for cooperative societies in Lagos, held by the Ikeja Multipurpose Cooperative Union in Lekki, Lagos, the President of Lagos State Cooperative Federation (LASCOFED), Mr. Shobule Oladipo, emphasised the importance of cooperatives in improving social welfare and economic development.

"We are committed to making the cooperative sector a key driver of Lagos' economy," Oladipo said.

Oladipo also announced plans to establish a cooperative bank to provide members with financial services. According to him, "This will help our members access affordable credit and other financial services, enabling them to grow their businesses and improve their lives."

Oladipo said the initiatives were designed to support the growth of cooperatives, create jobs, and improve the standard of living for millions of residents.

"Our initiatives will provide grants, rebates, and business support to help cooperatives thrive”, he noted.

The LASCOFED boss also emphasised the importance of unity and collaboration among cooperatives, saying "Together, we can achieve far more than we can individually.”

"This is a game-changer for Lagos," said Oladipo, adding: "The cooperative sector has huge growth and job creation potential. With LASCOFED's support, we can expect to see a significant improvement in the lives of millions of Lagos residents."

LASCOFED has also announced plans to partner with the Lagos State Government to create a conducive environment for cooperatives to thrive.

"We are working closely with the government to create policies and programmes that support the growth of cooperatives. Together, we can make a real difference in the lives of Lagos residents”, Oladipo said. President of Ikeja Multipurpose Cooperative Union, Lanre Ariyo, reiterated that the retreat aimed to equip cooperative leaders with knowledge and strategies to drive economic growth and improve the lives of their members.

“The theme, "Cooperatives for Sustainable Economy,", resonates deeply with the core values that cooperatives uphold: Democratic governance, economic participation, and concern for the community. These values are not just ideals, they are practical solutions to some of the most pressing issues of our time”, Ariyo said.

The initiatives have been hailed as a major boost to the cooperative sector, with many experts predicting a significant impact on the state's economy.

Segun Awofadeji in Bauchi

THANKSGIVING SERVICE TO CELEBRATE EDO STATE’S 33RD ANNIVERSARY...

Bishop Mathew Kukah Condemns

Christians’ Persecution in Northern Nigeria

Nation sitting on keg of gunpowder, Catholic bishops declare

Adibe Emenyonu in Benin-City and Sunday Ehigiator in Lagos

Bishop Matthew Kukah of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Sokoto has denounced what he described as an ongoing persecution of Christians in northern Nigeria, and condemned the lack of accountability for attacks on the Christian community.

Kukah spoke at the Silver Jubilee Anniversary of the Order of the Knights of St. Mulumba Nigeria, Eko Subordinate Council, held at the weekend in Lagos. Similarly, the Catholic Bishops' Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), yesterday, described as “worrisome” the state of the

nation under the watch of President Bola Tinubu, declaring that Nigeria is “sitting on a ticking time bomb”. President of CBCN and Archbishop of Owerri Archdiocese, Most Rev. Lucius Iwejuru Ugorji, made the assertion in his welcome address at the opening session of the 2024 second Plenary Assembly of CBCN, which took place in Auchi, Etsako West Local Government Area of Edo State.

Speaking on the theme, “Christian Martyrdom in Nigeria, a Building Block or Stumbling Block to Salvation or Patriotism,” Kukah expressed deep over the impunity surrounding incidents of violence against Christians in northern

Nigeria.

Kukah stated, “If you look at our country, Nigeria, the issue is that, in northern Nigeria, Christians constitute some of the groups that you can kill without consequences. You can ask yourself, has anybody ever been charged for burning churches or for destroying Christian properties?

“A pastor was slaughtered openly in Adamawa. People and priests were killed in Benue. Priests have been killed in Kaduna.

“It seems as if killing Christians is the only thing the world can do without consequences. That means that if you are serious as Christians, and Catholics, what

happens to the church in Ikwerre, what happens to the church in Sokoto, what happens to the church in Onitsha, and what happens to the church everywhere in this country should affect us. Tragically, you know, Christianity has become largely subordinated to ethnicity.

“Many people today still have a caliphate mentality that those who are not part of us must be against us. And this is the fate of Christians and Christianity in many parts of northern Nigeria today, where Christianity is being tolerated. Christians are being denied lands to build churches, and it is not seen as a problem. In a place like Kenya, I have an issue of that nature right now

Tinubu, Mohammed, Yahaya Mourn Emir of Ningi

Deji Elumoye in Abuja and Segun Awofadeji in Bauchi

President Bola Tinubu has commiserated with the people of Ningi Emirate and the Bauchi State government over the passing, in the early hours of yesterday, of the Emir of Ningi, Alhaji Yunusa Muhammad Danyaya.

In a release by his Media Adviser, Ajuri Ngelale, described the deceased as an illustrious leader, who deployed the power and resources of his throne in the service of his community.

Tinubu prayed for the repose of the soul of the departed

first class traditional ruler and condoled with his family and all those grieving the loss.

The Bauchi State Government has also expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Danyaya.

According to a press release by the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the governor, Comrade Mukhtar Gidado, he said, "His death has left an irreplaceable void in the hearts of the people of Ningi emirate, Bauchi State, and Nigeria at large.

"Alhaji Yunusa Muhammad Danyaya was a man of peace, wisdom, and immense dedication to the welfare of his people. Throughout his reign, he

exemplified the highest values of leadership, fostering unity, progress, and development across Ningi Emirate.

"His legacy as a guardian of tradition, culture, and Islamic values will continue to inspire future generations.”

Also, the Gombe State Governor, Alhaji Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, while condoling with the government and people of Bauchi State, said the demise of the traditional ruler, was a great loss not only to Ningi emirate but the country as a whole.

In a condolence message by the Director-General,

Press Affairs, Government House, Ismaila Uba Misilli, he described the monarch as an iconic ruler and a man of peace who, throughout his 46 years of reign, was known for preaching and promoting unity and harmony among the people of his domain, Bauchi state and the nation at large.

Yahaya, who is also the Chairman of the Northern States Governors' Forum, consoled the bereaved royal family to take solace in the fact that the late emir left behind legacies of honour, dignity and selfless service, urging them to uphold and sustain same.

PDP Crisis: Bode George Urges Gladiators to Drop Personal Ambitions

Chuks Okocha in Abuja

A Chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and member of the party's Board of Trustees (BoT), Chief Bode George, has urged gladiators in the party to drop their personal ambitions and have a roundtable discussion on issues in the party.

Speaking yesterday on TVC, a national television, on the topic: “National Reconciliation and Discipline in the PDP," anchored by Femi Akande, George said internal crisis was not peculiar to the PDP.

The former deputy national

chairman (south) of PDP said, "I know we have internal crisis in our party, it's normal. There's no organisation anywhere in the world that you will not have some disagreement. I am pleading with all sides, they should calm their nerves.

"We can get back to the table and discuss at length. All participants should drop their personal ambitions. Hatred, pettiness and jealousy is normal all over the world. We can disagree without being disagreeable."

He advised against being too ambitious, adding that when one gets to certain age and class, the best

thing to do would be to handover to younger generations.

"There is a new concept now in politics called President Joe Biden political strategy, when you get to a certain age and a certain class, you handover to the younger generation to continue because of your country. No individual can be larger or bigger than a nation and if you have that as your concept, nobody can be in power forever.

"History will judge. Our leaders since 1998 conceptualised the idea of looking at our past and projecting a workable political platform. No matter how the history of this country is written, you can never

forget Papa Alex Ekueme.

“He was the chief convener of different political groups. He called Chief Bola Ige from the South West, Alex Nwobodo from his side, Papa Solomon Lar and so many others we call the G14. They sat back and assessed and carried out analysis."

Making reference to why the first Republic and Shehu Shagari government failed, George asked, "Why the first Republic failed at the first instance, why did the Shagari government fail, the military government kept coming in and out, how can we prevent the coming back of the military in government."

as we talk.

“We must preach the gospel, welcome or unwelcome. Preaching the gospel has no political and ethnic boundaries. It is not about friendship. Jesus wouldn’t have said to Peter if it was about friendship, get behind me.”

The Catholic bishops, on their part, warned that as long as the issues of poverty, hardship and corruption continued to be the lot of the Nigeria youth, the country should be ready to contend with more youth protests.

They further expressed grave concern about the country's growing debt burden, adding that "servicing huge debts to international monetary agencies and sourcing for funds internally to balance budget deficit led to the economic reforms of Mr President, consisting mainly in the withdrawal of fuel subsidies and the floating of naira”.

Ugorji, who made the assertions at the opening of the 2024 second Plenary Assembly of CBCN, said the future of the country was depended on how the challenges bedevilling it were tackled.

However, he expressed optimism that trust in God will transform Nigeria. Ugorji stated, "On August 4th, 2024, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu, President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, enumerated the achievements of his administration. While we recognise that notable progress has been made in some sectors of our national life, we cannot fail to admit that the present state of the nation is worrisome. Even though insecurity remains one of our major challenges.

"As our national economy continues to decline and continues to reduce millions to a life of multidimensional poverty and untold hardship, the Nigerian youths embarked on a nationwide protest, tagged #EndbadGovernance, from 1 to 10th August 2024.

"The protest was aimed at publicly voicing out their disappointment and frustration on the ills bedevilling the nation. Although Nigerians have the constitutional right to express their grievances through peaceful protests, there was widespread concern that it could be hijacked by miscreants.”

Fubara: God Who Brought Me to Office is Keeping Me, Donates to Church Building

Chuks Okocha in Abuja and Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt

Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has stated that the grace of God has been upholding his administration and would thereby not disappoint the people of the State that God has charged him to watch over.

Fubara made the assertion, yesterday, while speaking as a special guest during the 100 years centenary celebration of the First African Church Mission, Holy Trinity Cathedral in Port Harcourt.

Represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr Tammy Danagogo, Fubara admitted that as a believer in Christ and Knight of the Church of Nigeria, he would remain focused to provide dedicated good services to Rivers people.

"I congratulate you for 100 years of contributing to the development of Rivers State, and serving and working for the body of Christ.

As a knight and ardent believer in Christ, I truly appreciate your efforts in the spiritual, moral and physical growth and development of the state.

“We are aware that what is sustaining this government is the grace and power of God. I am conscious of the fact that it is the grace of God that first brought me to office and also keeping me. That is why I am looking onto God to do what he has sent me to do in Rivers State," he noted.

He stressed that most of the agitations by the former LGA chairmen, the embattled House of Assembly members and their supporters were mere distractions, saying, "We are aware of these attempts to make us lose focus so when 2027 comes, they would say, what has he achieved?

"But I am focused on God and focused to deliver the dividends of democracy to the people of Rivers. I am focused to ensure the cardinal goals of this administration within the next four years are achieved – in education, healthcare, agriculture, housing and infrastructural development."

The governor, however, supported the celebration with a sum of N30million for the construction of support offices by the Church.

L-R: Wife of Edo State Deputy Governor, Mrs. Sandra Omobayo; Deputy Governor, Engr. Marvellous Godwins Omobayo; Edo State First Lady, Mrs. Betsy Obaseki; Governor Godwin Obaseki, and former Edo State Governor, Chief Lucky Igbinedion, during a thanksgiving service to celebrate Edo State’s 33rd anniversary, at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City, on Sunday

UNVEILING FAMILY PLANNING COMMODITIES...

NAF: Terrorists, Bandits Fleeing Niger State to Kaduna Forest

Linus Aleke in Abuja

Barely 36 hours after Niger State Governor Mohammed Bago appealed to the military authorities to deploy troops to communities prone to terrorists and bandits' attacks, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), yesterday, said terrorists were already fleeing the state to another safe haven in Kaduna State.

NAF also disclosed that recent intelligence revealed that most of the terrorists responsible for recent attacks on civilians, abductions, and cattle rustling within Shiroro Local Government Area (LGA) of Niger State were now domiciled in Kaduna.

A statement by Director of Public Relations and Information, Nigerian Air Force, Air Vice Marshal Edward Gabkwet, said, "In response to the

recent upsurge of terrorists’ activities targeting innocent civilians in Niger State, the Air Component of Operation Whirl Punch has continued in its efforts to track, locate and eliminate the terrorists responsible.

“Intelligence gathered had revealed that most of the terrorists responsible for recent attacks on civilians, abductions and cattle rustling within Shiroro Local Government Area

(LGA) of Niger State were domiciled in Kaduna State."

Gabkwet said additional intelligence further revealed the sighting of the terrorists as they relocated from Alawa Forest in Niger State after their nefarious acts to their stronghold in Malum Forest in Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

He said the air component planned and executed an air interdiction

Police Arrest Suspects Supplying Arms to Bandits in Kaduna, Katsina, Zamfara

John Shiklam in Kaduna

The Kaduna State police command has said its operatives had arrested two suspects supplying arms and ammunition to kidnappers operating in Kaduna, Katsina and Zamfara states.

In a statement by the spokesperson of the command, Mansir Hassan, said, the police also arrested two suspected cattle rustlers and foiled attempted kidnapping.

He added that a fabricated AK-47 rifle and five rounds of 9mm live ammunition were recovered from the gunrunners.

mission on August 21 and 24 on the terrorists’ stronghold at Malum Forest.

Gabkwet stated, "Battle damage assessment and feedback from local sources revealed several of the terrorists were eliminated as a result of the strike. Similar strikes were also conducted on terrorists’ hideouts at Bayan Ruwa in Maradun LGA of Zamfara State. “The terrorists were tracked to zincked-roofed structures in a vegetated area with few footpaths and a river line northwest of the location. The targets were then acquired and engaged in successive passes."

Ganduje Congratulates

Uzodimma, Ododo over their

Supreme Court’s Election Victory

Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja and Ibrahim Oyewale in Lokoja

Hassan said the suspected cattle rustlers were involved in rustling cattle from farmers in Kasuwan Magani in Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna state.

The police spokesperson added that two suspects were arrested in an attempt to abduct one Shafiu Abdullahi.

"On August 22, 2024, Police Operatives, acting on a credible intelligence report, conducted a successful raid on a hideout used

Hassan identified the suspected gunrunners as Dahiru Liman, 47, and Sani Abdullahi Makeri, 45, while the suspected cattle rustlers were identified as Aminu Saleh, 25 and Jafar Ibrahim, 24. The statement said the arrests were made following credible intelligence report.

by a notorious syndicate involved in the rustling of cattle from innocent farmers in the Kasuwa Magani area of Kujama, Kaduna.

"During the operation, the police apprehended two suspects: Aminu Saleh, a 25-year-old male, and Jafar Ibrahim, a 24-year-old male.

"During interrogation, the suspects confessed to their involvement in the crime and revealed that they had been working with four other syndicate members who are currently at large.

"In the same vein, On August 22, 2024, one Shafiu Abdullahi reported to Operation Fushin Kada, that he had been receiving phone calls demanding N10m, with the callers threatening

FUEL SCARCITY PERSISTS IN LAGOS, OTHERS

Efforts to get supply updates from NNPC proved abortive as the company's Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Mr. Olufemi Soneye did not respond to THISDAY's text message and phone call as of the time of filing in this report. However, Soneye had last Sunday, blamed the current product shortage on evacuation challenge, promising that NNPC would have that resolved by midweek.

He had stated, "We are currently experiencing some evacuation challenges in Lagos, but they should be resolved by midweek".

The Rivers state chapter of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association Of Nigeria (IPMAN) assured that in few weeks, the state will witness consistent supply of fuel in all the filling stations in the state.

The state chairman of IPMAN, Tekena Ikpaki who spoke with THISDAY, was reacting to the public outcry over the increase in fuel price.

Ikpaki disclosed that there was an ongoing intervention in loading, and expressed the hope that soonest the issue of high fuel price will be resolved to douse the ongoing tension in the system.

"Whatever they see in the market now is just a function of short supply. Right now supplies are ongoing, hopefully tension will also die down because at this moment loading is ongoing.

"When there is short supply, price of fuel will be high and it will cause unpleasant situation in the system. And there is intervention loading from NNPC. As the loading continues there will be consistency of fuel and it will

douse the pressure,’' Ikpaki pointed out.

Meanwhile, THISDAY observed that fuel was sold between N800 and N950 in filling stations in Port Harcourt. However, there was no scarcity in the state. It was also discovered that there was fuel in almost all the filling stations in Port Harcourt although rates were high, apart from the NNPC which still sold at N591 and N600 per litre.

An energy analyst, Mkpoikana Udoma, said the high price of fuel had badly affected the economy and had led to hardship experienced by Nigerians across the country.

Udoma said: "In fact, since our President on May 29, 2023 announced that subsidy is gone, automatically the price increased by more than 300 per cent which inadvertently affected the price of every commodities in the market.

to kidnap him if the ransom was not paid.

"The Tracking and Response Team, immediately took action, using advanced techniques to locate and apprehend the suspects.

"The suspects arrested are Umar Baso, Shehu Filani, and Babangida Abdulkarim, all residents of Soba and Kajuru LGAs Kaduna state.

"During interrogation, the suspects confessed to their involvement in the crime, providing detailed accounts of their actions.

"Additionally, on August 24, 2024, the Operatives arrested two suspects involved in supplying arms and ammunition to kidnappers operating in Kaduna, Katsina, and Zamfara states.”

"So, the high price of fuel has affected every aspect of the economy and further plunging the masses into poverty and hardship".

In Edo, petrol scarcity is also persisting, with long queues of vehicles and high cost transport fare being the lot of residents of Edo State since the #EndBadGovernance protest.

Most fuel stations especially in Benin City, capital of the state have remained closed because there is little or no products to lift, according to a fuel station owner.

However, the few who were able to get products sold between N850 to N1,000 per litre. Commuters were the worst hit. For instance, a route which in the past attracted N200 to N400 now goes for as high as N500 and N800.

Similarly, in Kano, there was

The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdullahi Ganduje, has congratulated the Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodinma and his Kogi State counterpart, Usman Ododo, over the Supreme Court verdict affirming their elections as the duly elected governors in their respective states.

Ganduje, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Edwin Olofu, said the landmark judgment was not only a testament to the confidence that the people of Imo and Kogi States have placed in the APC and its candidates, but also a reaffirmation of the rule of law and the integrity of Nigeria's judicial system.

growing anger among motorists as a majority of filling stations belonging to oil marketers had virtually run out of stock for the past few days.

The situation has become even more challenging as motorists are forced to rely on black marketers who sell fuel at exorbitant prices.

The fuel shortage in Kano has led many government workers and businessmen to resort to trekking a long distances to their various destinations.

One of the residents, Abubakar Sadiq said he was forced to park his car because of non- availability of the fuel at filling stations and exorbitant price at the black market on the other hand.

He said: "It's frustrating and disappointing when authorities fail woefully to provide lasting solution to fuel scarcity. Despite promises and

The chairman added that APC was proud of the exceptional leadership displayed by both governors in their respective states, which he said has undoubtedly contributed to the overall progress in their states. He commended the Supreme Court for its thorough and unbiased adjudication, which has further strengthened the democratic fabric of our great nation.

He, therefore, urged Uzodinma and Ododo to continue their outstanding work in delivering the dividends of democracy to the people of their states and to uphold the values and principles that the APC stands for. Meanwhile, reactions have continued to trail the verdict of the Supreme Court reaffirming the election of Ododo.

efforts, the issue remains unresolved.”

In Kaduna, there seemed to be no respite for residents as fuel scarcity continued to bite harder, with the few fill stations that had petrol selling at exorbitant prices.

At the Rain Oil filling station in Barnawa area of Kaduna metropolis, petrol sold for N895 per litre; Omosco filling station along Yakowa road, was selling at N960 per litre while some black market filling stations at the outskirts of the town were selling the product for between N1000 to N1,100 per litre.

Some of the NNPC filling stations which usually sell the product at N620 per litre, especially those located at the Stadium Roundabout, Barnawa- near Living Faith Church and Kachia Road, after Indomie factory were not selling fuel.

Rivers State Commissioner for Health, Dr Adaeze Oreh unveiling the family planning commodities procured from the funding of the State Government at the Central Medical Stores in Port Harcourt, at the weekend.

BOOSTING EDUCATION IN OGUN STATE…

L-R: Marketing Manager, BIC in Nigeria, Patrick Bello; Permanent Secretary, Ogun State Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, Mrs. Oluwatosin Oloko; Ogun State Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Professor Abayomi Arigbabu; Business Development Manager, BIC in Nigeria, Mr. Ojo Adeyemi; Director of Education, Planning Research and Statistics, Mr. Obadiah Akindele, and Deputy Director, Education Support Services Mr. Rotimi Okeleye, both of the Ogun State Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, at the presentation of 50, 000 BIC’s writing tools to primary and secondary ––schools students in Abeokuta..

Another Vietnam-bound Businessman Excretes 68 Wraps of Cocaine at Lagos Airport

Michael Olugbode in Abuja

An Onitsha, Anambra Statebased businessman, Ibeanusi Nosike, has excreted 68 wraps of cocaine after 12 days of excretion observation following his arrest at the local wing of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos by operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA). According to a statement by the spokesman of the anti-narcotics agency, Femi Babafemi, the 36-year-old Ibeanusi was arrested in the early hours ofAugust 8, 2024, at the old domestic terminal of the Lagos airport while attempting to board the first

Tinubu Rejoices with Babagana Zulum at 55

Yinka Kolawole in Osogbo

President Bola Tinubu has congratulated Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State, as he marks his 55th birthday.

Zulum, is an academic, visionary, reformist, and statesman.

The president, in a release issued yesterday by his Media Adviser, Ajuri Ngelale, joined family, friends, and the people of Borno State to celebrate the young and dynamic leader who embodied the pragmatism and energy of youth, as well as the sobriety, prudence, and wisdom

of the elderly.

President Tinubu commended Governor Zulum’s handson approach to leadership, demonstrated by his unchoreographed, pre-dawn inspections of rural clinics and critical agencies to ensure their smooth operations and that staff are on hand to provide essential services at world-class standards.

The president also applauded the governor’s courage, exemplified by his personal interventions in security situations in Borno State and in the recent resettlement of displaced citizens.

NFVCB to Train Youths in Filmmaking

The National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) has concluded plans to train and mentor some youths in the art of filmmaking. The two weeks training and mentorship programme in collaboration with notable Nollywood thespian, Nze Ugezu Ugeze, will produce the first ever “ Made in Ichida” film.

The Executive Director of the NFVCB, Husseini Shaibu, stated these during the media literacy campaign titled:”The Power of Parental Guidance in the Digital Age” at St.Augustine’s Parish Ichida, Anambra State.

According to a statement by the Director, Director, Corporate Affairs, NFVCB, Ogbonna Onwumere, Husseini stated that these fall in line with one

of the eight points agenda of the Honourable Minister of Arts, Culture and the creative economy, Hannatu Musawa.

“The point in reference talks about the provision of comprehensive skills acquisition and development programmes to ensure that the young Nigerians have the technical capacity to access opportunities across the creative sector.”

The Executive Director, who has never hidden his avowed desire to make more women media literate, gathered about 500 women of the Catholic Women Organisation (CWO) of the Parish, during the August meeting to brainstorm on the power of parental guidance in the digital age.

Ife Varsity Law Class of 1984 Celebrates 40th Anniversary

Wale Igbintade

The 1984 Class, Faculty of Law of the then University of Ife, now Obafemi Awolowo University, IleIfe, Osun State at the weekend celebrated its 40 years graduation anniversary by honouring some of its members who have made remarkable achievements and distinguished themselves in their respective fields.

The 40 years anniversary held last Saturday at the Sir Adetokunbo Ademola hall, Nigeria Law School, Victoria Island, Lagos, was chaired by their former teacher, Prof. Itse

Sagay (SAN). In his opening speech, the Class President, Mr. Adedokun Makinde (SAN), recalled with nostalgia, the unique roles played by members during their days at the university when they used to rush to the cafeteria, burn the midnight oil among others.

He said: “I remember those days of ‘first eleven’ at the cafeteria, burning the midnight oil at the central cafeteria among other study centres. Our paths diverged after graduation, leading us down different roads and towards various destinations.”

flight out of Lagos to Abuja where he was scheduled to join a Qatar Airways flight to Vietnam at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport at about 10a.m same day.

He said the suspect who came under NDLEA surveillance following intelligence had arrived Lagos from his base in Onitsha, Anambra state the previous day, 7th August

and lodged in a hotel where he swallowed the 68 wraps of cocaine before heading to the airport for a 6:30am flight the following morning. He was, however, intercepted

by NDLEA operatives who moved him into excretion observation where he spent 12 days excreting the cocaine pellets weighing 1.282 kilogrammes.

Kogi Guber: Reactions Trail Apex Court Verdict as AA Candidate Differs

Ibrahim Oyewale in Lokoja

Reactions have continued to trail the verdict of the Supreme Court reaffirming the election of the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate in the November 11, 2023, governorship election, Ahmed Usman Ododo, as

the duly elected governor of the state.

In a statement signed by the media officer, Musa Yakubu, and made available to journalists in Lokoja yesterday, it said: “The governorship candidate of the Action Alliance Party (AA) in the 2023 governorship election in

Kogi State, Olayinka Braimoh, has reacted to the Supreme Court pronouncement, upholding the positions of the lower courts (Tribunal and Appeal), which ruled in favour of Ahmed Ododo of the APC as the winner of the election widely reported to have been mercilessly rigged.

While reacting to the Supreme Court judgment yesterday, he said: “We received the news of the Supreme Court judgement today. Even though we accept, we do not agree with the judgement because we realised that we have a system that rewards bad behaviour.

Edo Guber: PDP Tackles Oshiomhole, Says His Administration Was Corrupt, Chaotic

Adibe Emenyonu in Benin-City

The People Democratic Party (PDP) yesterday berated the leader of the All Progressives Congress ( APC) in Edo State, and Senator representing Edo North, Mr. Adams Oshiomhole over his constant criticism of Mr Godwin Obaseki administration and challenged him to name areas his administration performed better than that of Obaseki. Oshiomhole, while at the APC Governorship Campaign on Saturday in Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area of the state, has said that the next government will carry out a comprehensive audit on the privatisation regarding the hospital administration, management as well as ensure that culprits behind an alleged fraudulent deal that makes healthcare accessible only to the rich are prosecuted. He also alleged that the Obaseki and the PDP candidate Asue Ighodalo are planning to rig the September 21 governorship election. He said: “Don’t dance too much and allow them to compromise electoral process by stealing PVC’s and deny you the opportunity to vote.“

Unemployment: Acquire Practical Skills, Tunji-Ojo Charges Youths

Fidelis David in Akure

The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has charged the youths to rethink their approach and prioritise learning a skill in order to position themselves adequately for the 21st century job.

The minister gave the charge at

a colloquium organised by BTO Youth Development Convention with the theme: ‘We Can Evolve: Building a Prosperous Nation, a Joint Task, the Tunji-Ojo’s Model’, held at the weekend at the International Culture and Event Centre (Dome) in Akure, the Ondo State capital. Tunji-Ojo, represented by his

Special Adviser on Strategy and Innovation, Prof Mukhtar Abdulkadir, said earning a degree certificate is not enough but equipping themselves with in-demand skills, especially in ICT will give them an edge in the job market.

According to him, “Because of the advent of AI, artificial intelligence, you look at most of the graduates today, they are still looking at traditional courses like Electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, maybe medicine and surgery but if you look at what the World Economic Forum said in 2023, it said that by 2030, 83 million jobs will be lost and 95 million jobs will be created.

PDP Not a Comedy Party, Dino Melaye Warned

Chuks Okocha inAbuja

A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Idowu Unoja has issued a stern warning to Senator Dino Melaye, telling him to take the party seriously or leave.

Unoja, who is from Kogi State,

made the statement in response to Melaye’s recent actions, which have brought the party into disrepute.

The chieftain said that Melaye’s failure to vote for himself during the last governorship election in Kogi State, despite the party raising over N1 billion for his campaign, is a betrayal of the party’s trust.

Furthermore, he said that Melaye’s inability to mobilise party faithful in Kogi State has raised questions about his commitment to the party’s success.

“To make matters worse, Melaye has squandered the party’s resources on luxury cars and a lavish lifestyle, without any visible means of income. This reckless display of wealth has embarrassed the party and its leadership,” he said.

Revelations of Melaye’s attempts to reconcile with APC leader Bola Tinubu through Daniel Bwala have led many to question his loyalty and commitment to the PDP.

Igbo Forum Tasks Tinubu on NELFUND Student Loan for South-east Schools

Sunday Okobi

The Concerned Igbo Stakeholders Forum (CISF) has called on the President Bola Tinubu-led administration to take a second look at the non-inclusion of any higher institution in the South-east region as a beneficiary in the NELFUND student loan.

The group, while reacting to the development in a statement issued yesterday by its leaders, wondered how students from every other geopolitical region in the country made it to the first batch of disbursement except their counterparts in the South-east.

The statement noted that: “This is not how to manage a diverse and multicultural society like Nigeria. What impression does Mr. President want Nigerian students schooling in the Southeast to have about their place in the scheme of things?”

The CISF also responded to the claims by the NELFUND spokesperson, Nasir Ayitogo, that “there is no consideration of geopolitical zones in the disbursement. “The CISF noted with curiosity why, by chance, the South-east region that has long complained of marginalisation is the only region ‘unintentionally’ excluded from this first batch of interventions. This cannot be a coincidence but simply a case of negligence.

Osun PDP Governorship Aspirant Defects to APC

Yinka Kolawole in Osogbo

A former gubernatorial aspirant of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Osun State, Kayode Oduoye, who stepped down his ambition for the state Governor, Ademola Adeleke, in 2018 yesterday formally defected

to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

However, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Isiaka Adegboyega Oyetola, who was represented by Bola Oyebamiji, the managing director of Inland Water Authority and the APC state Chairman, Alhaji Tajudeen Lawal Sooko, as well as APC leaders in Ifelodun Local Government Area of the state welcomed Oduoye formally to the party.

The former chieftain of the PDP in Osun State displayed his franchise and freedom of association by resigning his membership from the party in the state. Oduoye equally led many of the PDP leaders and followers to the APC in the state. He has for a long time been a good stalwart and financial supporter in the party before his formal resignation over the weekend.

BACKPAGE CONTINUATION

FROM THE DNC: LESSONS FOR NIGERIAN POLITICAL PARTIES

statement about leadership and prioritising national interest over personal ambition. This act of selflessness and commitment to the greater good starkly contrasts the behaviour of much of Nigeria's political elite, where prioritising personal and group interests over national ones is often the norm.

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has been vocal in his criticism of Nigeria's leadership, describing it as plagued by self-centeredness—a significant impediment to the nation's development. In Nigeria, political elites often wield power through political patronage and economic dominance, manipulating public opinion to align their interests with those of the country. This manipulation creates a dangerous dynamic where policies reflect the interests of the elite rather than the nation's true priorities, leading to a disconnect between the government and the people. In this context, few Nigerian political leaders are willing to sacrifice their ambitions, even when they conflict with the common good. Biden's decision to step aside offers a powerful example of what it means to lead with integrity and a focus on the nation's collective well-being.

The DNC also highlighted the importance of unity and inclusivity in the political sphere. Despite internal differences and varying perspectives, all significant DNC members rallied behind Kamala Harris, presenting a united front. This unity was notable not just for its existence but for the way it transcended the divisions that often characterise political gatherings. There was no emphasis on

Harris's gender or race, no factionalism between “technocrats” and “professional” politicians, and no divisive rhetoric around religious affiliations. This starkly contrasts Nigeria's political elite, who frequently exploit the country's rich diversity;ethnic, religious, gender, and social status—to advance their agendas. This exploitation often leads to feelings of exclusion and marginalisation among various groups, weakening the social fabric and undermining the potential for a unified nation.

Another critical lesson from the DNC convention is the importance of consistency in policy positions. Vice President Kamala , in her address, clearly articulated her stance on a range of issues, including healthcare, housing, abortion rights, foreign policy, and the economy. The Party's leading figures maintained a consistent and coordinated stance on these issues, united by a shared vision and policy goals. This consistency is crucial in a functioning democracy, as it provides voters with a clear understanding of what the party stands for and what they can expect if it comes into power.

In stark contrast, Nigerian political parties often lack well-defined ideological beliefs and are instead defined by the personalities that dominate them. This absence of a coherent philosophy leads to frequent shifts in party allegiance, resulting in internal conflicts and inefficiencies in governance. Rather than focusing on meaningful policy dialogue, Nigerian political parties often operate within a patron-client framework, where loyalty is bought and sold and where policies

IT’S PRODUCTION, STUPID!

Mention must be made too, of sports betting (gambling in plain language). While sports gambling in the form of football pools, with addicts drawn mostly from the lowest rungs of the social ladder, has been around for many decades, the internet has taken sports betting mainstream. We now have in sports betting a multi-billion naira activity area in which an estimated 65 million Nigerians participate actively as patrons. Assisted by internet penetration, betting shops are now as ubiquitous as, if not more so than, POS mobile money outlets (yet another service activity that did not exist 10 years ago but now engages hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of able bodied people in the totally ridiculous business of selling naira notes for a living). But back to sports betting. By some estimates, each day, Nigerians place 14 million bets and spend $5.5 million (or over N8 billion) in the eternal hope of cashing out big! We should therefore expect the next GDP rebasing exercise to capture both POS (mobile money) operations and sports betting and perhaps, return us to the top of the GDP league in Africa.

The foregoing narrative is, of course, highly whimsical and anecdotal. Hard data in the form of sectoral composition of GDP however supports the general trend of an expanding services sector and declining or stagnant primary and secondary (agriculture and manufacturing) sectors. In the 1960s, the contribution of agriculture to Nigeria's GDP, for instance, stood at an average of 60%. That has now declined to about 21%. That of services, at around 54%, is trending towards replacing agriculture as the dominant sector and actually did so between 2000 and 2015 when it contributed as much as 61% to GDP on the average. Manufacturing in Nigeria has never been a big contributor either to output or employment. It currently hovers around 10/12% as a proportion of output.

While the pivot from production to services in Nigeria cannot be said to have been deliberately engineered, it is also the case that some people, including economists, have come to believe that the early ascendancy of services in an underdeveloped economy like Nigeria is not necessarily harmful and that services can drive sustainable growth and development.

Observing the trend of the increasing domination of the services sector against declining production sectors (agriculture and manufacturing) in total output in mature developed economies like the US 50/60 years ago, some economists started talking about, or even celebrating, the arrival of a so-called 'post-industrial age' (Daniel Bell: The Coming of Post Industrial Age, 1976). It was claimed that the world, or at least, the advanced parts of it, had entered a phase in which prosperity would no longer derive from the production of tangible things but from the provision of services. Much later, perhaps encouraged by the expanding share of services in the GDP and exports of a few underdeveloped countries like India, some people started to push forward the view that such countries could successfully avoid the historical trajectory taken by the West which involved passing through a phase in which production, particularly manufacturing, provided the main impetus for growth and prosperity. Such Third World countries, it has been claimed, could leapfrog to services and thence, to developed status. As the IMF (who else?), one of the key advocates of this view put it, the premature turn to services, “need not hinder economy-wide productivity growth and the prospects for developing economies to gain ground toward advanced-economy income levels” (IMF, World Economic Outlook, 2018).

The leapfrog advocacy runs counter to the earlier theoretical position that for countries in the global

are shaped not by the needs of the people but by the whims of influential individuals. This system stifles democratic processes and undermines effective governance, making it difficult for the country to move forward in a cohesive and coordinated manner.

The DNC and RNC conventions also underscored the importance of respecting past leaders and celebrating the nation's history and heroes. Both conventions paid homage to past presidents, civil rights leaders, and other figures who have shaped American history. This respect for tradition and the achievements of those who came before is a hallmark of a mature democracy. It reflects a commitment to continuity and recognition that the past provides a foundation for the future.

In Nigeria, however, the narrative is often quite different. Successive leaders frequently seek to undermine their predecessors, showing little respect for the accomplishments of those who came before them. This attitude weakens the nation's institutional memory and hampers efforts to build on previous successes. Current Nigerian political leaders often want to be seen and treated as demigods, believing their contributions are unparalleled and their legacies should overshadow those of their predecessors. This mindset stifles political progress and continuity, as each new administration needs to start from scratch rather than build on previous governments' work.

Finally, the DNC convention showcased a strong commitment to the peaceful power transfer to a new and younger generation of leaders. This was

South to stand a chance at attaining high income status, they had to rapidly expand production, especially manufacturing. It also ignores the established fact that virtually every high-income economy known to history today achieved that status on the back of production, especially through manufacturing industry. (A few small countries have attained high income status as a result of special resource endowments, tourism and offshore financial services but they are the exception that proves the rule)

Notwithstanding the enthusiasm in certain quarters for the expansion of services as the prime driver of development or even the unfortunate reality that services are now so dominant in the national output mix, it is highly doubtful that developmental success awaits Nigeria at the end of that particular route. Our experience so far (and even that of India) suggests that an early turn to services is deeply dysfunctional to development. By early turn here, we mean the emergence of services as the dominant economic sector at relatively low levels of development as measured by GDP per capita.

Even some advanced countries, the UK being one glaring example, do not appear to be enjoying the abandonment of production they had celebrated earlier. Indeed, the general rise of protectionism against foreign manufactures in the West and the clamour for the US in particular to return to manufacturing production (which has been promoted as a hot potato political issue by Donald Trump) seem to indicate that enthusiasm for the post- industrial age is not at an all-time high.

For a poor country like Nigeria therefore to seek to skip production and to depend on services for its growth and development represents a mistake of monumental proportions. That we have inadvertently arrived at that position given the enthusiasm in Nigeria for service activities and their dominance in total

not just a rhetorical commitment; it was evident in how the convention provided a platform for young leaders to speak, presenting themselves as the party's future. This is reminiscent of Obama's 2004 DNC speech, which propelled him to national prominence and made his candidacy viable. The DNC's approach to leadership transition reflects an understanding that the nation's future depends on empowering the next generation and providing them with the tools and opportunities they need to lead.

In Nigeria, however, the situation is quite different. Despite a youthful electorate,older politicians continue to dominate the major political parties. Patronage systems, which fuel entrenched interests, control these parties, preventing young people from playing significant roles beyond being tools for violence during elections. The failure to meaningfully involve young people in the political process deprives the country of fresh ideas and energy and perpetuates a cycle of stagnation and underdevelopment. Ultimately , the DNC offers a wealth of lessons that Nigerian political parties would do well to heed. These lessons are not merely theoretical; they are practical steps that, if implemented, could lead to a more vibrant, responsive, and effective political system in Nigeria. By adopting these practices, Nigerian political parties can play a pivotal role in the consolidation of democracy, ensuring that the nation's political system is not only resilient but also reflective of the will and aspirations of its people.

computers, switches and the plethora of material equipment and infrastructure that underpin service activities—is manufactured in-country is proof positive that the shift to the tertiary sector at this point in our development trajectory is premature. As we have seen, that shift deepens import dependence and contributes heavily to recurring balance of payment crises which often manifest in foreign exchange shortages, currency devaluation, destabilizing exchange rate volatility and recurring inflation. We are currently in the hellish throes of such a crisis and the results are not pretty. It is well known that productivity growth is more easily achieved in manufacturing and agriculture where machines and tools can be pressed into service to increase output per worker. While the same can be done in some aspects of services, especially ICTenabled services, productivity growth in that sector tends to be slower. To achieve rapid productivity and therefore income growth, policy emphasis on primary and secondary production is essential for a country like ours at this point.

The products of primary and secondary sector activities also tend to be more easily tradeable than services. The reputed success of India with the export of services notwithstanding, most services tend not to be easily exportable. Short of emigrating, a barber or make-up artist can hardly offer that service in Norway from Calabar in Nigeria.

output today, means that from a developmental point of view, we have seriously lost our way. Such a developmental trajectory is highly unlikely to lead us to the promised land.

The ascendancy of services in Nigeria at this point in our development suggests that we are trying to do a hundred-metre sprint when we have barely learnt to walk. We are, in fact, at the crawling stage of development, given our lack of self-sufficiency even in primary production. This, after all, is a country that has all the natural endowments to produce enough food for its own consumption and for export, yet remains a net importer of common food items—from rice to maize, beans, meat and common vegetables. We are also notoriously deficient in domestic production capability across an embarrassingly wide range of industrial sectors. We lack capacity in basic industries—iron, steel, aluminum, alloys (basic metallurgical materials), machine tools, textiles, chemicals other than petroleum derivatives; even wood and paper and last but not least, food (processing and manufacturing).

Limited domestic capacity in manufacturing (which has wide spill-over effects on other sectors) acts as a major constraint to progress even in the primary sector. The fertilizers, pesticides and mechanical equipment and tools that are required to boost output in primary sector activities like agriculture, mining and extraction are the products of manufacturing industry. Without a robust manufacturing industry, we are stuck in our ability to achieve progress in essential primary activities like food production.

In the context of a stunted primary sector and limited secondary production, leapfrogging to services merely compounds the structural woes of our economy. There are sound reasons in economic theory why such an early turn to services for growth impulses is both impractical and wrongheaded. Without delving into theory however, the fact that little or none of the hardware—the devices,

Equally important to note, services require high levels of training and skills which take time and cost a lot to acquire. Agriculture and manufacturing in contrast can be handled by relatively unskilled people. Factory-based production in particular, is more easily broken into simple, repetitive tasks that a few days of training can equip most people to perform. For this reason, primary and secondary sectors tend to generate more employment growth, and for highly populated countries like Nigeria and India, the primary and secondary sectors are key to inclusive development. The limited employment generating nature of services (like ICT) is borne out by what is happening in India where dramatic growth in export driven, ICT-based services sector has done little for poverty reduction and employment. In this regard, India compares unfavorably with China where at nearly 30% of GDP, manufacturing remains high by global standards and has helped that country to achieve the most remarkable reduction in poverty the world has ever known.

A viral post that has been making the rounds in Nigeria has it that Nigeria was far more productive in the 70s and 80s when we were making cars, trucks, paper, tyres, television sets, refrigerators, etc, all stuff that Nigeria no longer produces. That post eloquently captures the mistake of premature de-industrialization in Nigeria. But by turning our backs on production, we entered a period of involuntary de-industrialization which has been nothing short of a national disaster and is proving difficult to reverse.

Course correction is urgently called for. Conscious, deliberate effort is required to steer our way back to a production-focused economy, thereby generating real development. Service activities need not be totally abandoned but their pursuit should be undergirded by extensive and intensive domestic production. Even if God wanted us to be a country of 200 million POS operators, let us find some way to manufacture the POS machines. And should we be helplessly addicted to online gambling, let us do everything we can to place bets on the devices we make by our own hands. Genuine development comes from production and production and production.

•Mr Anyang is a former federal commissioner at the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission, a former banker and a journalist

Tinubu

Chelsea Rejects £500,000-a-weekOsimhen's Demand

Femi Solaja with agency report

Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen’s touted move to West London with Chelsea is off the mark following the decision of the Blues to reject his £500,000-a-week salary demand

from Stamford Bridge. Osimhen’s proposed switch in the ongoing transfer window has been trending in the market with PSG and the London duo of Arsenal and Chelsea aiming to grab the Napoli forward but now the uncertainty

of his next destination is in the air because stay at the former Italian champions, looks over for the Nigerian forward.

According to The Sun of London, the extraordinary salary demand would make Osimhen the highest-

paid player in the Premier League.

The Blues have been working all summer long to get the deal over the line and talks with the striker’s representatives and Napoli have been ongoing for several weeks but it is understood that an agreement

is still nowhere in sight.

The Stamford Bridge side originally tried to sign the Napoli star on loan as they were unwilling to pay his £110million release clause, but the Italian club rejected the proposal.

However, Napoli was willing to let Osimhen go and had to lower his asking price to £85m but the wages are proving a stumbling block.

Osimhen is expected to leave Napoli this summer regardless of whether or not his deal with Chelsea goes through as the forward submitted a formal transfer request to the Italian club.

PSG are also interested in the 25-year-old but have cooled off their pursuit for now.

The Blues are eager to get the deal over the line since the Nigerian footballer has long been identified as a long-term target for the club.

However, to meet Osimhen's wage demands or even come close, they have been working tirelessly

to reduce their wage bill. This is why we have seen many of Chelsea's first-team players exiled and forced to train away from Enzo Maresca's squad, including Ben Chilwell and Raheem Sterling.

The Sun reports that the Blues have started looking at alternatives for the Nigerian forward due to his remarkable wage demands. Two cheaper options identified by the West London club are Federico Chiesa from Juventus and Everton's Dominic Calvert-Lewin.

Five attacking players have already been welcomed to Stamford Bridge this summer but head coach Maresca has told the club that he wants one more striker.

Although Christopher Nkunku and Cole Palmer are both able to play the striker role if called upon, the Blues only have two natural No9s in their squad - Nicolas Jackson and new signing Marc Guiu, who arrived from Barcelona.

The 5th Dr Adegboyega Ekunkoya National Cadet Table Tennis Championships produced new winners with Faruq Hussien of Kwara and Sezuo Ize of Kogi emerging as champions at the weekend in Lagos. However, table tennis stakeholders across the country have lauded the championships describing it as another platform to unearth talents for the country.

The highly successful tournament, organized by the Efunkoya Table Tennis Foundation in collaboration with the Nigeria Table Tennis Federation (NTTF) aimed to produce future stars that will replace ageing players in the national teams.

Winners at the weekend emerged during the second edition of the Gbolahan Odele Age Group tennis championship that took place at the Adejumo Tennis Sports Centre, Lagos. The sponsor of the tournament, Gbolahan Odele, said the tournament was simply awesome and the purpose of the program is archived.

According to him the reason for organising the tournament is to give

To claim the boys’ singles title, number two seed, Hussein started his campaign from the group stage where he was unbeaten in all his matches and defeated Yusuf Solomon of Aruna Sports Club 3-1 (11- 7, 9-11, 11-7, 11-30 to be crowned the new champion.

Unlike Hussein, Ize played her best in the semifinal when she edged out former champion Aishat Rabiu of Lagos and completed her dominance in the final when she thrashed Chineye Okafor of Abia State 3-0 (13-11, 12-10, 13-11) to win her maiden national title.

For their efforts, Hussein and Ize were awarded educational scholar-

back to society.

“How awesome! The tournament has been simply awesome,” he said.

“The kids are having fun, which is the basic, the base for all that I hope for. I want them to enjoy themselves. Win, lose or draw, we must have fun. And we have been doing that.

“Although, we've had some challenges, some stoppages due to the little sporadic rain, but God is

ships as well as brand-new laptops by the Efunkoya Foundation while other winners in the doubles and mixed doubles got cash prizes for their victories.

Awards like the youngest player, most behaved player, youngest players, the most improved player as well as Most Valuable Players were given to winners by the organisers.

For the Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotosho, the tournament has thrown up new stars. He, however, called for more tournaments to sharpen the skills of the players as well as expose them to international tournaments.

good. So, every time it rains, we dry the courts and then the kids play.

“My focus is to do something for Nigeria. Give back. The good book says you are blessed for a reason. We are blessed to be a blessing. That's what my family is all about.

“My other main reason is to turn around and watch the

making the right decision to enrich their knowledge and encouraged them to go back to their various domains and put what they have learnt into practice. Gumel also commended all those who contributed meaningfully to making the programme a huge success despite all the challenges they faced.

They include; Mr Godspower Odedede and the Executive members of NAPHER-SD, Delta State, the programme Directors in persons of Mr Emmanuel Nweri, Dr Toyin Esther Aluko and the Programme Officer, Mrs Deborah Chidobi with other invited speakers like Prof. Clement Fasan, Programme Director of IOC Advanced Sports Management Course, Mr Olumide Oyedeji, Chairman NOC Athletes Commission, Prof. Abiodun Moronfolu of the Lagos State University, Dr Rasheed Oyakhire, Dr George Ashiru, Dr Kweku Tandor, former DG, Lagos State Sports Commission, Engr. Gumel equally expressed his gratitude to the IOC for its continuous support that has enabled the NOC to place this noble programme at the disposal of Nigerian sports administrators.

Noni Madueke's hat-trick gave Chelsea their first Premier League victory of the season as they beat Wolves 2-6 in a pulsating and chaotic encounter.

Chelsea took the lead after 98 seconds when Cole Palmer's inswinging corner was inadvertently flicked on by Matheus Cunha and an unmarked Nicolas Jackson nodded in at the back post.

Jackson stoked an already feisty Molineux crowd with his celebrations - and Wolves rallied on the field.

Rayan Ait-Nouri's dazzling run set up Cunha and the livewire Brazilian equalised with a crisp low finish from inside the box, before gesturing towards Jackson.

Palmer restored Chelsea's lead with a deft cushioned lob from 30 yards when he spotted Jose Sa off his line.

Wolves got themselves back level for a second time shortly before the break when Jorgen Strand Larsen poked home from the edge of the six-yard box after a free-kick was squared back across goal.

However, England Under-21 forward Madueke's treble in 14 second-half minutes settled the

game as a contest. The three goals were nearly identical as the winger scored with low-angled shots from inside the area, assisted by Palmer on each occasion.

Joao Felix put the gloss on the result late on when he side-footed the ball high into the net from near the penalty spot after being picked out by fellow substitute - and former Wolves winger - Pedro Neto. Meanwhile, Madueke has apologized for earlier offensively mocking Wolverhampton City on Instagram on Saturday.

In another post after Chelsea win yesterday, the England Under-21 international said: "I just want to apologise to everyone that I might have offended. It is just a human mistake, an accident. It wasn't meant to be out on my socials like that. I'm sure Wolverhampton is a nice town and I'm sorry.

"It was a mistake and you learn from those things. Hopefully nothing like that happens again.

"In terms of the boos, I expected it but it is part of the game. You have to be able to play under that sort of pressure,” he concluded.

Moses Simon scored the opening goal to inspire the first win of the new season for FC Nantes in the French Ligue 1 yesterday.

The Super Eagles winger netted after 14 minutes against visiting Auxerre with a beautiful curled shot before his team doubled their lead deep into stoppage time.

Auxerre, who paraded Nigerian

defender Gabriel Osho, were reduced to 10 men in the 53rd minute. Nantes were held to a goalless draw by hosts Toulouse in the opening game of the new season. This is Nantes' first win in as many as 10 matches from last season. The win has pushed the side into seventh position on the ladder with four points.

Enyimba, who were drawn bye in the first preliminary round of the CAF Confederation Cup, will now tackle Etoile de Filante from Burkina Faso in the next round of the competition.

Enyimba, who finished third in the NPFL last season, will travel to Burkina Faso on September 13 for the first leg, before the return leg a week later in Nigeria.

Etoile de Filante reached this stage of the competition after they eliminated Hafia of

The first

in

in a

before

Victor Osimhen

Noni Madueke (right) celebrating his first hat trick for Chelsea since joining from PSV Eindhoven in January 2023

Guinea.

leg

Guinea ended

1-1 draw,

the return leg in Burkina Faso which finished goalless for Etoile de Filante to scrape through on the away goals rule.

TRUTH & REASON

Monday, August 26, 2024Price: N400

MISSILE

MFM G.O, Olukoya to Nigerians

“WhatweneedinNigeriaisdivineintervention.WeshouldpraythattheLordshould layHishandsuponthewholenation,uponourleaders,thattheyshouldtaketheright decisionsthatwillhelpNigeria.Weneedtoprayfordivineintervention...armsofflesh willfailyou.Ourhardworkwillfail.WithGodallthingsarepossible...theBiblesays, excepttheLordbuildsthehouse,theygatherinvain,thatbuildsit" -MFMG.O,Dr.D.K Olukoya,counselsNigerianstoseekdivineintervention,toovercomethe nation's ills.

BENEATH THE SURFACE

From the DNC: Lessons for Nigerian Political Parties DAKUKU PETERSIDE

Nigerians’ profound interest in US elections is no mere coincidence. The roots of this fascination lie deep in the historical and structural connections between the two countries' political systems. Nigeria's democracy, modelled closely after the US presidential-style system, naturally invites comparisons and draws parallels with American political practices. This connection is further deepened by the increasingly globalised nature of our world, where political developments in one nation can reverberate across continents, influencing governance, policies, and even public opinion in far-flung regions. In Nigeria, this is particularly evident as US political dynamics, especially in the current digital age where social media amplifies voices and ideas, significantly impact the local political landscape.

The strong economic and diplomatic ties that bind Nigeria and the United States further underscore the importance of closely observing events like the Democratic National Convention (DNC) and its counterpart, the Republican National Convention (RNC). These events are not just spectacles of democracy; they are pivotal in shaping US foreign policy, which invariably has significant implications for Nigeria. As the US navigates its complex political terrain, the decisions and policies that emerge from these conventions often ripple through its foreign relations, including with nations like Nigeria.

In

These lessons have the potential to reshape the political landscape and inspire positive change in Nigeria.

Political parties are the cornerstone of any functioning democracy. They serve as the vital platforms through which individual political aspirations are translated into collective action. This process is not just about enhancing electoral competitiveness, but also about ensuring that diverse interests within the society are represented and fostering a culture of political engagement among the populace. These functions are the bedrock upon which accountability and responsiveness in governance are built. For a developing democracy like Nigeria, where democratic institutions are still in the process of solidification, the institutionalisation of party structures is not just important—it is crucial. However, Nigeria faces significant challenges in this regard. The political landscape is often marred by a lack of effective party structures, which hinder parties' ability to stimulate meaningful public dialogue or empower citizens to participate actively in the political process. This shortfall weakens the democratic fabric of the nation, leading to a disconnection between the government and the governed and often resulting in unresponsive governance to the populace's needs and aspirations. It is urgent that these challenges are addressed, and it is the responsibility of all stakeholders in Nigerian politics to work towards a more inclusive and

SONNI ANYANG

GUEST COLUMNIST

responsive system. Many Nigerians find themselves drawn to the Democratic Party of the United States for various reasons. These reasons range from the party's historic nomination of a woman of colour, which resonates deeply in a country like Nigeria with its complex tapestry of ethnic and gender dynamics, to a general scepticism towards figures like Donald Trump, whose policies and rhetoric have often been perceived as divisive. There are also religious sentiments at play and an alignment with the broader policies and values that the Democratic Party espouses, particularly in areas such as social justice, healthcare, and immigration. This connection to the Democratic Party underscores why the DNC is relevant to Nigeria's political evolution. The convention is not merely a gathering of like-minded individuals; it is a platform where the party's ideals, strategies, and future directions are showcased to the world. For Nigerian political parties, observing and learning from the DNC offers a unique opportunity to glean insights that can be adapted to strengthen their democratic processes.

One of the most remarkable moments of the DNC was President Joe Biden's decision to step aside in the 2024 race, passing the torch to Vice President Kamala Harris. This decision was not just a political manoeuvre but a powerful

Continued on page 38

It’s Production, Stupid!

Over the last two or so decades, the view seems to have taken root in Nigeria that we can somehow sing, dance, code, post, brand and speculate our way into meaningful development. This is an illusion; it is not going to happen—certainly not soon enough to make much of a difference in the conditions under which most of us live.

A country of over 200 million people who must eat, clothe themselves, shelter from the elements and carry on with life in the 21st century, has no alternative to making the tangible things that support life in this day and age. In other words, Nigeria must urgently privilege production over everything else, if it is to make sustainable progress.

It is difficult to locate the exact point in time when the focus of national energy shifted from making things to services. Since such changes rarely happen overnight, the pivot likely took place without apparent notice over many years. Looking back however, we can identify some moments in the regression.

One such moment was the introduction of SAP (Structural Adjustment Programme) by the Ibrahim Babangida regime in 1986. SAP ushered in trade liberalization, market-driven exchange rates, financial deregulation and privatization. The immediate aftermath was, of course, an explosion in the financial services sector. Everybody in Nigeria

and his uncle went into wheeling and dealing. We all became operators of banks, finance companies of all types and brokerage houses. The best brains and the bulk of available investment capital went into the making of money from money, turning the country into a giant financial bazaar. Thus did bankers and speculators become the toast of the Nigerian society.

The next big, identifiable moment, was the arrival of Donald Duke as governor of Cross River State. The young governor as he then was, got the entire country—from President Olusegun Obasanjo to nominally staid bankers and the general populace—charged up about the prospect of turning his state into a veritable tourist paradise. Programmes and projects like the Obudu Cattle Ranch, the Mountain Race, Tinapa Resort and of course his crowning glory, the Calabar Carnival, initiated by Duke, sold the entire nation on a vision of boundless prosperity that an endless stream of tourists would bring to Cross River State and thence to the rest of the nation.

Then there was the emergence of Nollywood in the 1990s which held the promise of turning the country into one huge movie production set, with millions earning their living therefrom while enjoying all that comes with the celebrity lifestyle of silver screen idols. Before we knew it, film producers, directors, script writers, production companies

and actors and actresses had sprouted across the length and breadth of the country. Matters have now reached the point where it appears, young Nigerians who are not movie stars or producers, aspire to be either musicians, comedians/ MCs, skit makers, social media influencers or other sorts of yet-to-be invented performance artist. Not for them anymore the unglamorous toil on farms or the anonymous drudgery of factory work. In this immediate connection, the success of Nigerian musicians on the world stage has served to pour petrol on a raging fire and to confirm entertainment as a sure-fire route to prosperity.

At the level of public policy, the view of entertainment and the performance arts as viable economic activities has received the tacit support and direct endorsement of governments in Nigeria. The rebasing of our GDP computation in 2013 explicitly acknowledged entertainment as an economic activity and by that simple measure, saw Nigeria propelled to the top of the GDP league in Africa. Since then, a number of government intervention measures have been announced to support movie making and related activities. NEXIM, the country's prime export-import bank, has even established a special lending window for the creative and entertainment 'industry'. There can be no question that Nigeria is no longer 'playing' with entertainment.

Another remarkable juncture in our march to

the service economy was the introduction of the GSM technology in the 1990s, powered by the internet infrastructure first laid in the 1960s as a hub for interaction among scientists but mainstreamed over time into a global loop for connection among people across space and demographics. A truly breath-taking spinoff from the internet-GSM convergence is the so-called social media, which has taken the nation’s infatuation with services as the dominant mode of economic activity to an altogether dizzying level. Today, many Nigerians, particularly the young but also quite a few adults, including policy makers, seem to believe that the solution to mass impoverishment in the land lies not in producing material things like yam, rice, cassava, cotton, electric bulbs, chairs or even the computers and handheld devices that are required to use the internet and social media, but in developing content, posting stuff, speculating on crypto currency, playing in foreign exchange markets or going live on certain apps and generally trying to make money for nothing (apologies, Dire Straits).

Also facilitated and enhanced by the internet and social media is so-called multi-level marketing in which mostly nostrums of dubious efficacy in the form of pills, capsules and liquid concoctions are peddled by everybody everywhere one turns.

Continued

Kamala Harris

this context, the lessons that Nigerian political parties can draw from the DNC are not just valuable, but they are essential for the maturation and evolution of Nigeria's democratic processes.